Alocasia cucullata (Lour.) G.Don

Nampu hijau (Alocasia cucullata) is a herb with a pseudostem up to 80 cm tall of the Araceae family, distributed from China and India to Myanmar. In Laos and Thailand, this plant is considered a good-luck plant kept in Buddhist temples, while in China its leaves are used to treat snake bites and even cancer. Nampu hijau is also believed to help relieve fever and rheumatism.

The habitat of this plant is in moist areas, along riverbanks. Generally grows at elevations of 200-2,000 m above sea level. Well-drained, humus-rich soil conditions shaded from direct sunlight are preferred by this plant.

• Root fibrous, brownish-white in color, and can form tubers.
• Leaves single, shield-shaped with a tapering tip, rounded base, about 10-15 cm long, glossy green in color.
• Flowers single, emerging from leaf axils, white petals, cylindrical stalk length up to 30 cm.
• Fruit lance-shaped, small in size, red in color.
• Seeds black in color.

• Propagated vegetatively (offset separation).
• Offsets near the parent plant form abundantly throughout the year.

Steroid and iridoid compounds (alocasgenin, tenacigenin, marsdenoside, tenacigenoside), saponin, glycoside, flavonoid, and polyphenol.

Detoxifies snake bites, addresses fever, treats rheumatism, joint inflammation and abscesses, has antitumor activity, treats cancer.

• Choose fresh nampu hijau leaves. Clean off attached dirt. Wash then drain.
• Slice the leaves and place on a tray then dry in the sun for 2 days, covered with a thin dark-colored cloth until moisture content reaches 10%.
• Once dry, place in a clean, tightly sealed or airtight plastic bag.

Chinese taro, Buddha's hand.