A lady buying bua hi-ma on a market in Mae Sai in Chiang Rai province. In Thailand it is found in particular on markets in the North, often hill tribe markets.

Translated from Thai, it literally means ‘snow lotus’, a possible reference to its origin from the Andes.

Its taste is slightly sweet and it is said to have medicinal qualities for people with diabetes and high blood pressure, and beneficial for the digestive system.