Spices & |
HERBS | |
SPICES |
Ajwain
:: Allspice ::
Bay Leaf ::
Black Cardamon ::
Green Cardamon ::
Cinnamon ::
Cloves ::
Cumin ::
Cayenne Pepper
|
VEGETABLES |
Calamus, also known as sweet flag is a plant from acoraceae family in the genus acorus.
It is a perennial wetland monocot with long scented leaves and scented
rhizomes, which have been used medicinally as a psychotropic drug.
Calamus is known to have cultural significance attached to it. In greek
mythology it has long been a symbol of male love.
It is been called sweet flag due to its sweet scent, and the wavy edges of
the leaves resembles the fluttering flag.
In japan it is a symbol of samurai's bravery, because of its sharp sword
like leaves.
Calamus grows in muddy and swampy areas, near lakes, pond and marshes.
The leaves the plant are between 0.7 and 1.7cm wide with an average of
1cm. it has much thick branched rhizome and similar shaped leaves to the
irises.
The flower head is spadix, which stems out side of leaf, can go to 4.9-
8.9 cm high.
The flowers are longer too. Acorus calamus is infertile and shows an
abortive ovary.
It is a vigorous plant, which grows in moist soil and requires lot of
water.
Calamus is originated in India and but now it grows in different parts
of the world.
It is now found across Europe, in southern Russia, northern Asia, southern
Siberia, Japan, china, southern Canada and parts of USA.
Dried rhizome,Constituents,Calamus contains some volatile oil.