African purslane, Horse purslane
Zaleya pentandra

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It lies along the ground. The leaves are 2-4 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are in the axils of leaves. They can occur singly or in groups of 2-5. They do not have flower stalks. The fruit is a capsule with a lid. It is 2-5 mm long. There are 4 seeds. The seeds are black and 1.5 mm long.

It can be a problem weed.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is rare in Swaziland. It is a desert plant. It grows quickly after rains. In Pakistan it grows up to 1,600 m altitude. It can grow in arid places. It does best on gravelly soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Arabia, Asia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Chad, Congo DR, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iran, Israel, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, North Africa, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Caution: It is considered as poisonous in some places causing diarrhoea. The leaves are eaten as a vegetable in some places. They may need to be carefully cooked.

It is a famine food. It is highly palatability.

Edible parts

Leaves, caution, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Al-Rabah, Arig alarab, Bilee komme, Bishkapra, Charanai, Gadbani, Gadon maciji, Gaija soppu, Galijaeru, Isindura, Itsit, Khari-buti, Ki thua kia mbiti, Laniyh, Lunak, Muisvygie, Narwan, Rabah, Raphuudhimaa, Slathi, Thellagalijaeru, Unchava, Wahoo, Wasanh, Xicalandemba

Synonyms

Trianthema govindia Buch.-Ham ex G. Don; Trianthema pentandra L.; Zaleya govindia (G. Don) Nair;