Cyperus bulbosus
Uses
India (Bombay Presidency): the bulbs may be sun-dried, pulverized, then mixed with jowar [sorgum], bajri [millet] or wheat flour, to make bread. The Bhils burn the bulb, after washing it, which removes the thin husks from the grain [sic]. The grain can be ground into flour from which bread is prepared, or made into Ghes or Rab (Kanji). It is considered too “cold” for the body and is reported to be constipating, and also to cause night blindness. Australia: the bulbs are rubbed between the hands to loosen the husks, which are blown away. The grain is eaten raw or roasted.
Additional Information
- Name Authority:
- Boeck.; Lag.; Schrank.; Vahl.
- Vernaculars:
- Ahmedabad district, Bombay Presidency: Theg, Theck root. Virmagaon, Ahmedabad district, Bombay Presidency: Bid [N.B. Bid is also the name for Scirpus grossus, var. Kayseor ]. Rajasthan (western): Motha, Mothabasa
- Misc:
- Soil types favored by plant Dioscorea alata: cultivated fields of sandy plains. Chemical composition (after Paton & Dunlop) (grams per 100g): Protein = 2.27g. Fat = 0.58g. Carbohydrate (soluble) = 82.46g. Fibre = 1.51g. Ash = 1.58g. Water = 11.60g. Calories = 353.
