Aneilema beniniense

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are alternate and form a sheath at the base. The leaves are sword shaped and 10 cm long by 3 cm wide. The flowers are in a group at the top. They are white and yellow.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows along the edges of forests and in palm groves and wet grass savannah. In Ethiopia it grows between 700-1,600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, East Africa, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, West Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ametegaella, Aretekodo, Chol'en, Lububi-lwa-mubunga, Mpimpita

Synonyms

Commelina beniniensis P. Beauv.;