Acanthopale laxiflora

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

It is considered a weed.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is an undershrub that grows in wet mountain rainforests. It suits humid locations. It grows up to 2,100 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Tanzania, Uganda

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a vegetable. The young leaves are chopped and washed and cooked.

Edible parts

Vegetable, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Hongoani, Nyakibiki, Nyakigoma

Synonyms

Dischistocalyx laxiflorus Lindau;