Maharanga emodi (Wall.)A.D.C. syn Onsoma emodi Wall (O. emodi Wall.=Maharanga emodi (Wall.) DC.,) (Boraginaceae )

Flower and roots are used as medicine.

The plants are distributed in Alpine Himalayas of Nepal from 3000 to 3900 m. also found from Garhwal to Bhutan at altitudes of 3,500-4,000 m.

The roots of O. emodi Wall.=Maharanga emodi (Wall.) DC., afford a dye which has been used for colouring wool and silk.

Crude drugs 

1. Onsoma bracteatum Wall

2. O. hispidum Wall. ex D. Don syn. O. echioides C.B.( O. hispidum has been reported to be the source of Ratanjot, a red dye yielding root, commonly used for colouring foodstuffs, oils and medicinal preparations.

3. The roots of O. hookeri C.B. Clarke, a herb found in Sikkim and Bhutan at altitudes of 4,000-500 m., is said to yield the best Lepcha red dye.