Blepharis edulis

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

A spiny herb. It can be erect or lie along the ground. It grows 50 cm tall. It has soft, grey hairs. The leaves have teeth along the edge and they have prickles attached to them. The flowers have long spiny bracts. The flowers are yellow. The fruit capsules have 2 heart shaped seeds. They are brown and shiny.

It is also used to clarify water. It is also used for medicine.

Where it is found

It grows in Mediterranean and tropical places. It suits arid and semi-arid locations. It can grow in sands and gravels. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Sahara, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Socotra, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen

How it is used for food

The leaves and seeds are eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chaupatia, Dakhni-chappar, Karadu, Keilewa, Khadakatira, Otigana, Shauk-el-jemel, Shikhi, Shushanu, Uttangan, Yamaarug

Synonyms

Acanthodium delilii H. Buek; Acanthodium spicatum Delile; Acanthus delilei Spreng.; Blepharis obovata Chiov.; Blepharis persica (Burm.f.) Kuntze;