Annual dysentery-flower
Monsonia senegalensis
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
A herb or small shrub. It can lie along the ground. It can grow each year from seeds or keep growing for a few years. It grows 30 cm high. The leaves are alternate on the short primary stem. They are opposite on the side branches. The leaves are oval and there are teeth along the edge. The base is heart shaped. The flowers are pink with darker veins. The fruit are 7-10 cm long including the curved beak.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid areas. In can grow in dry sandy soils or loams. It grows from sea level to 2,100 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Arabia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Chad, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, India, Kenya, Mauritania, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, North Africa, Pakistan, Sahel, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, West Africa, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The leaves are used as a tea substitute. They are also added to couscous to give it a smooth consistency. The seeds are eaten as a snack food and added to porridge. They are usually roasted. They are also used in beers.
Edible parts
Leaves, seeds, gum
How it is grown
The seeds are often collected by ants.
Its other names
Local names
Diidii, Gerin, Komba-sokwe, Mdusuru, Musamu, Ragem