Boucerosia edulis Edgew.
Indian Edible Caralluma
Boucerosia edulis Edgew. is the historical name for this edible succulent from India and Pakistan whose currently accepted name is Caudanthera edulis (Edgew.) M.E.Endress & Liede (formerly Caralluma edulis). The epithet 'edulis' refers to the fact that its stems are edible raw or cooked, serving as a food source during scarcity in the Indian subcontinent. Its flowers are cream to pale yellow with purple spots.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Ceropegius, Wikimedia Commons
CC0 1.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Boucerosia |
| Growth Habit | Perennial succulent, erect to semi-erect, with tetragonal stems up to 30 cm, greenish to greyish |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC); widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.0 |
| Type | Well-drained sandy-loam; rocky |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Well-drained sandy-loam; rocky
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
U
E
Every 2 years
Monthly balanced fertilizer during active summer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Edible in normal doses; excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal effects
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The currently accepted name is Caudanthera edulis. The genus Caudanthera was segregated from Caralluma by Endress & Liede based on molecular and morphological characters. Important species in Indian ethnobotany as an emergency food."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟢 HighVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.