Common name: Monjam Hei • Manipuri: মোংজামহৈ Monjam Hei
Botanical name: Tetrastigma bracteolatum Family: Vitaceae (Grape family) Synonyms: Vitis bracteolata
Tetrastigma is a genus of plants in the grape family. The plants are
vines that climb with tendrils and have palmately compound, grape-like
leaves. Monjam Hei is one such vine commonly found from Nepal to North-East
India. In Manipuri, Hei means fruit. The fruit of this vine is edible,
although on the sour side. Leaves are cooked and eaten in Manipur.
Tetrastigma are also known for being the only hosts of the parasitic
plant Rafflesia which produces world's largest flower.
Identification credit: Thingnam Sophia
| Photographed in Imphal, Manipur. |
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