Chimphing is a local term to describe the seeds of Nepali Hogweed (cow parsnip). Scientifically, it belongs to the parsley (Apiaceae) family and Heracleum genus.
Chimphing is a local term to describe the seeds of Nepali Hogweed (cow parsnip). Scientifically, it belongs to the parsley (Apiaceae) family and Heracleum genus. Though, Heracleum L. contains more than 120 species globally, only ten of its species (H. brunonis, H. candicans, H. canescens, H. lallii, H. nepalense, H. obtusifolium, H. sphondylium, H. sublineare, H. wallichii & H. woodii) have been documented in Nepal (based on www.efloras.org & www.floraofnepal.org) so far. Most of the researches conducted on Heracleum species have established these species as edible, especially as medicinal plants and to a lesser extent as food (herbs or spices). The vernacular name for H. nepalense has been documented as चिम्फिङ्ग/ बुढो औषधी/भोटे जिरा. These plants are found growing wild at the altitude ranging from 1800 to 4600 m above sea level depending upon the species.
