Phanji / Fanda / फांजी / Common Night Glory / Midnapore Creeper / Rivea hypocrateriformis (Desr.) Choisy

Other Names

Status & Habitat

Habitat: Climber
Occurrence: River banks, roadsides, grassy fields, wastelands
Season of Availability: December-February
Geography: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand
Method of Propagation: Seed propagation
Part used for Propagation: Seeds

Raw: No
Ripe: N/A
Both Raw & Ripe: N/A
Dangerous Form to Consume: Raw plant
As Food: Leaves and young shoots are typically boiled or used in sabjis. Boiled leaves are also a healthy green.
As Medicine: Used in folk medicine to treat fever, rheumatic pain and cough.
Cooking Without Prior Boiling: Yes
Boiling Before Cooking: Yes
Pickling: N/A
Brining: N/A
Fermenting: N/A
Drying for later Consumption: N/A
Overall Method: Leaves and young shoots are typically boiled or used in sabjis. Boiled leaves are also a healthy green.

Tribal Wisdom: Used in ayurvedic medicine to treat fever, rheumatic pain and cough.

Tribal Recipe / Usage: Masala paanachi wadi:
Mix rice flour, besan, spices, and water to form a thick paste. Spread the mixture on leafy greens, roll them, and secure the ends with paste. Toast the rolls in oil on a skillet, covering them with a stale chapatti for thorough cooking.