Ashkit
Galium aparinoides

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A scrambling herb. It grows 1.8-2.1 m long. The stems have small prickles. The leaves are in rings of about 6. They are narrowly oval and 1-3 cm long by 3-8 mm wide. Young leaves have hairs. The fruit are 2-3 mm across.

Probably edible. (The plant is eaten by cattle) The leaves are boiled to make a drink - probably as a medicine.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In East Africa it grows between 1,680-3,600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Arabia, East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Middle East, Tanzania

How it is used for food

The leaves are boiled and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, caution

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Katikonoy, Olengeriantus

Synonyms

Galium aparine var. hamatum (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Hook.f.; Galium hamatum Hochst. ex A. Rich.; Galium trachycarpum Clarke;