Ballota africana

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 30-120 cm tall. The stems are erect and spreading. The leaves are round and 1.5-5 cm long by 1.5-4.5 cm wide. The flowers are in rings. They are pink to purple.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten as a snack and vegetable. They are also used for tea and flavouring.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Beringeria africana (L.) Neck.; Marrubium africanum L.; Stachys africana (L.) Kuntze; and others