Maerua arenaria, Niebhuria arenaria) is a low woody bushy under-shrub sometimes scandent to 2–3 meters high, with a thick root stock and thick leaves, and strongly scented flowers, occurring in India, Pakistan, Africa and Saudi Arabia.

This is a tuber that naturally grows in areas closer to fountains, especially in hills.

Local Tribes and others collect the tubers, which are then sold in many Indian town and cities as a quick street food.

The root of the plant resembles licorice in appearance and taste and said to possess alternative, tonic and medicinal properties.

[1] The root of this plant, which tastes like coconut pulp, is edible and is eaten with sugar.