Wildflower of the valley
Mountain sorrel
Oxyria digyna
- How easy to find
- Easy to see — you will see it easily on the trail
- Flower size
- Small
- Family
- Polygonaceae (Knotweed family)
- Local name
- Chyakulti, kailashi
- Type
- Herb
- Height
- 15–80 cm
- Flower colour
- red
- Flowering
- June to August
About Mountain sorrel
Oxyria digyna is a perennial herb with 15-80 cm height. Leaves are basal, kidney shaped with broad heart shaped base and oblique apex. Flowers are green tinged with pink, small and in terminals panicles. Fruit is broadly winged.
Where to find it
- In the middle of the valley
- In the deeper parts of the valley
- Around Hemkund Sahib
Habitat
Way sides and cultivated lands.
Uses & folklore
Whole plant is used as an appetizer and laxative. The leaves are rich in Vitamin C. In Nepal cooked leaves stems and roots are eaten in case of dysentery.
What the name means
Oxyria is Greek oxys (sharp/sour), from the acid taste of the leaves; digyna means "having two pistils".
