Brachystelma gymnopodum

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A herb. It forms a bulb or tuber. It is succulent and keeps growing from year to year. It grows 15 cm high. The leaves are 3-10 cm long and have short stalks. The flowers occur as 1-3 on short stalks at the nods. They are dark brownish-purple. The root tubers are 8 cm across.

Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. In Southern Africa it grows between 500-1,600 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The tubers are roasted and eaten.

Edible parts

Tubers, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ceropegia gymnopoda Schltr.; Ceropegia pumila N. E. Br.; Ceropegia pygmaea Schinz.;