Ulam Raja (Cosmos caudatus)

Cosmos caudatus, commonly known as ulam raja or king’s salad, is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to Central and South America but widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, it is valued for its tender, aromatic leaves, which are consumed raw in salads, as a garnish, or in traditional herbal dishes. Traditionally, the leaves and stems have been used in folk medicine for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-supporting properties. With its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental significance, Cosmos caudatus remains an important plant in tropical home gardens and local food traditions.