Brachystelma plocamoides

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 25 cm high and 12 cm wide. It has dividing annual stems growing from a tuber. The leaves are erect and narrow. They are 8 cm long by 1 cm wide. The flowers are dark purple. They are in the axils of leaves. Usually they occur singly. They are dark red with orange centres.

Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It needs well drained soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Tuber, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Brachystelma linearifolium Turrill;