Hemiphragma heterophyllum, also known in its native Nepal as Nash Jhaar, is a prostrate perennial, diffusely creeping, fruit bearing plant with thin much branched pubescent brown stems that can reach 30-60cm long. Nash Jhaar is indigenous to the Himalayan regions, distributed in highland pastures at altitudes of 2500-4000 meters above sea level.

Hemiphragma heterophyllum leaves are two types (dimorphous) as the species name heterophyllum hints. The larger leaves take place in opposite pairs along the stalk, frequently without leaf stalks, flat and almost circular, 0.5-2cm long with slightly serrate margins.
The other leaf type (branch leaves) are very dissimilar. These are smaller, 3-5mm long, crowded together, needle like, rolled inward and held in clusters on small leafstalks in the axils of the larger leaves.

Flowers are axillary, solitary, born in summertime, white to pinkish in color, 5-6mm in diameter and hermaphroditic – meaning they have both pollen producing and ovule producing structures.

Nash Jhaar Fruit

The fruit of the Nash Jhaar is edible, bright red when ripe, egg-shaped to spherical, 5-6mm, smooth and shiny. Fruit is produced in the fall and are consumed fresh.

Nash Jhaar Propagation Methods

Plant propagation is by seed sown in springtime. The plant favors light (sandy) and moist well-drained soil and a sheltered sunny position. Hemiphragma heterophyllum is a member of the family Scrophulariaceae the genus Hemiphragma.

Nash Jhaar, Hemiphragma heterophyllum

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