If you are from Kerala, born in 90s or before, you would remember this little plant. We call it ‘Mashi pacha’ or ‘Mashi thandu’, ‘Slate pacha’, ‘കോലുമഷി’ which was used to wipe our slates after scribbling. And to remove the excess ink (Gosh !the Hero fountain pen days) dripped on note books. It was fun to search this plant in every nook and corner on the way to the school.

It was those days when slate pencils were used instead of chalks on slate. There was a grocery shop and flour mill near my home where I spend my childhood. Unlike today, packet flours or grocery(only salt used to come in plastic packaging) were not popular at that time. I used to go along with my grandmother or my father to these shops. My intention used to be to buy slate pencils and colored chalks. The feel of holding the new long unbroken slate pencils and chalk pieces were divine. Of course they used to last like that for few hours only.

I saw this mashi pacha last time when I went home recently. If it was one of those days, it would not have remained at the same place :(

Botanical Name: Peperomia pellucida Family: Piperaceae (Pepper family)
Common name from flowersofindia.net: Shiny Bush, Slate pencil plant, pepper elder, rat’s ear, shiny bush, silverbush • Malayalam: Mashitandu chedi • Assamese: Pononoa • Sanskrit: Toyakandha, Varshabhoo • Nepali: लतपते Latapate • Oriya: ଭୁରvଓ Burshavo

From my notes: കണ്ണാടിപ്പച്ച/മകപ്പച്ച/മഷിപ്പച്ച/വെറ്റില മഷി/വെള്ളംകുടിയൻ/വെള്ളത്തണ്ട് all are local names in Malayalam. Neer kaddi in Kannada.

Etymology:
Peperomia: The genus name comes from Greek peperi = “pepper” and homoios = “resembling.”
pellucida: From Latin pellucidus = “translucent,” “clear,” or “transparent.”

Post retirement, my parents used to attend many seminars, sessions and classes by naturopaths, naturalists, farmers and more. In one of those classes, they got to learn about the edible and medicinal side of it. When my Amma told me this, I was shocked and surprised to hear. Next time when I visited my home, I made sure to munch a few leaves and get more surprised to experience the peppery taste! I added a few leaves to the salad that day and it was yum! Unfortunately, I missed clicking pics. My Amma shared how this little plant helps to reduce uric acid in the body.

Medicinal benefits from flowersofindia.net – In South America, Shiny Bush is used medicinally. A solution of the fresh juice of stem and leaves is used against eye inflammation. It is also been applied against coughing, fever, common cold, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, against kidney – and prostate problems and against high blood pressure. Shiny bush is also used in Ayurvedic medicine.

From my saved notes – For headaches, grind the leaves and apply it on forehead/temple area.
The raw juice is traditionally used to treat HFMD in kids, one teaspoon daily.
It is mucilaginous –> helps to cool down body, reduces inflammation, ulcers. Use it on minor burns.
Use it in face packs as it relieves from skin issues.
Ulasimang Bato, is one of the 10 medicinal plants officially endorsedby the Phiippines Department of Health.

Neer Kaddi is one among the several other wild plants used to make Choodi during Shravan month by Konkani community.

A few months ago, one of my friend showed me an ad, the seeds of this plant is been sold at very high cost. And mockingly he said, best way to be rich! :D

Recipes

Saved notes – Use it in Chinese style egg drop soup. – In a small pot, boil some chicken or veg broth, add in greens of your choice, lower flame, beat an egg, pour into soup slowly in a spiral pattern. Add salt and pepper to taste. Done

• Curry
• Thoran
• Neer Kaddi Raita
• Neer kaddi thambuli
• Just add it along with eggs while making omelets or salads(raw), or make juices.

Want to know more edible greens around us?
Check out this 500+ greens listed here!