Lao chili wood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lao chili wood |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Piper
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| Species: |
ribesioides
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Piper ribesioides, also known as Lao chili wood, is a fascinating plant related to the black pepper we use every day. It's called by many names, including mai sakhaan (Lao: ໄມ້ ສະຄ້ານ), sankhaan, sankharn, sankahn, or sakahn. This plant is a woody vine or stem that has a very strong, hot, and peppery flavor, almost like chili. It leaves a lasting taste and can even make your tongue feel a little numb!
People in Laos and the Lao-speaking parts of Northeastern Thailand use Lao chili wood a lot in their cooking. It's super important for making a famous Lao stew called Or lam. Sometimes, the berries from this plant are pressed to make an oil that is also used in cooking.
Contents
About Lao Chili Wood
What is this Plant?
Piper ribesioides is a type of woody vine. It's part of the Piper family, which also includes the plant that gives us black pepper. Unlike the small pepper grains you might know, this plant's woody stem is the main part used for its flavor.
Its Special Flavor
The woody part of the Piper ribesioides plant has a very distinct taste. It's hot and peppery, similar to chili, but it also has a unique quality that makes your tongue feel slightly numb. This special sensation is part of what makes it so popular in traditional Lao dishes. The flavor is strong and stays with you for a while after you've eaten it.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant is found in several places in Southeast Asia. You can find it growing in Laos, Myanmar, and on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It also grows in a region called Malesia, which includes countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It prefers warm, tropical climates.
A Rare Discovery
Piper ribesioides is considered quite rare, especially on the Andaman Islands. It was first found there a long time ago, in 1834, by a scientist named Dr. Helfer. However, his plant collections got mixed up, making it hard to know exactly where some plants came from. For many years, people weren't sure if Piper ribesioides truly grew on the Andaman Islands.
But then, in 1990, two botanists named Mathew and Abraham rediscovered it there! This confirmed that the plant does indeed grow on those islands. Because it's so rare, special efforts are made to protect it. Living samples of this unique plant from the Andaman Islands are kept safe in a special plant bank in South India, helping to make sure it doesn't disappear.
