African foxglove, False foxglove
Ceratotheca triloba

Family: Pedaliaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is an annual plant. It is erect and grows 2 m high. There are thin hairs. The leaves are opposite. The leaf blades are deeply 3 lobed. There are short teeth along the edges. The leaves are 5 cm long by 4 cm wide. The flowers occur singly. They are in the axils of leaves. The flowers are all turned to one side. The flowers are bell shaped. The fruit is dry and leathery. It is about 2.5 cm long. Probably now Sesamum trilobum.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows on sandy soils in open grassland. It needs sandy, well-drained soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked and eaten. They are slimy. They have an unpleasant smell when crushed but this disappears when cooked.

It is occasionally used as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds germinate very easily. Seeds can be collected from dried fruits. Plants can be put 20 cm apart.

Its other names

Local names

Inkunzane enkulu, Ludvonca, Mudyangaringa, Munhuhwenhuhwe, Myamanhuwe, Umdonga, Zinyaruninga

Synonyms

Ceratotheca lamiifolia; Sporledera triloba Bernh.;