Boerhavia tetrandra

Family: Nyctaginaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It can lie along the ground. The leaves are fleshy and bluntly oval. They are 1-4 cm long. The leaf stalk can be 2 cm long. The flowers are in the axils of the leaves and often in compound flower arrangements. The flower stalks are 3-10 cm long. The flowers are pink or lilac.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in coastal areas in Pacific Islands. It needs good sunlight.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Kiribati, Lord Howe Island, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Pacific, Tokelau, Tuvalu, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Katul, Nat'to, Nuna, Palkea, Runa, Tiale

Synonyms

Boerhavia diffusa var. tetrandra (G. Forst.) Heimerl;