Indian Madder (Rubia cordifolia)

Family: Rubiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Rubia cordifolia is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 6 m (19ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. Used as a side dish with rice. It is much esteemed as a lab-lab by the Javanese. Fruit - raw. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter. — Used as a side dish with rice.; It is much esteemed as a lab-lab by the Javanese.; The fruit is about 8mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Amongst scrub in the Himalayas. To 2400 metres in Dehra Dun. Damp wet upland forests in China. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)