Brachystelma discoideum
Family: Apocynaceae
What it is like
A herb. It has underground stems or rhizomes. It has flattened tubers. It grows 10 cm high. It keeps growing from year to year. There are 1 or 2 stems that are only slightly branched. The stems have hairs. The leaves are broadly oval or round and 5-15 mm long and wide. The leaves have hairs underneath. There are 1 or 2 flowers near the axils of leaves.
Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant that grows in hot arid areas. It grows in regions with a dry season of 6-11 months. It can grow in arid places. It grows in gravelly, sandy soil. In South Africa it grows between 1,100-1,300 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The roots are eaten as a snack and also cooked as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Tubers, root