Acanthus polystachius

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.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Ethiopia

How it is used for food

The nectar is sucked from the flowers by children.

Edible parts

Flower nectar

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kosoruu

Synonyms

Zonablephis polystachius (Delile) Ref.;