Brachystelma foetidum

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It has short annual stems growing from a tuber. The leaves vary. The flowers are in clusters in the axils of leaves. They are in clusters of 2-6. The flowers are bell shaped and the lobes are purple brown with yellow spots near the base. They have a bad smell. The fruit is a hairy follicle.

Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in open woodland.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The root is eaten raw or roasted.

Edible parts

Root, tubers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Seru, T'kalcuni

Synonyms

Brachystelma rehmannii Schltr.;