African buttercup
Ranunculus multifidus

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It has swollen tubers. The stems are erect. It grows 1 m high. The leaves are mostly in a ring at the base. The leaves are twice divided and the leaflets have irregular teeth. The flowers are small and bright yellow. They are 2 cm across. They are on long branched, hollow stems.

There are about 400 Ranunculus species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in damp places. It grows in wet grassland and along river banks. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 2,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Arabia, Botswana, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Middle East, Mozambique, Nigeria, North Africa, Rwanda, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are occasionally cooked and eaten. The roots are eaten raw by boys.

Edible parts

Leaves, roots, tuber, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kapupuba, Kazibannyo, Khobedi, Sansamwa

Synonyms

Ranunculus pubescens Thunb.