Brookweed, Water Pimpernel
Samolus valerandi

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

A low creeping herb which continues to grow from year to year. It grows 10-40 cm high. The stems may or may not be branched. The leaves are oval or spoon shaped. They are pale green in a ring near the base. The leaves up the stem are alternate. The flowers are white and cup shaped. They are 2-3 mm across. They are on loose racemes. The petals are joined for half their length.

There are about 9-15 Samolus species. They are also put in the family Primulaceae. They may be put in the family Theophrastaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in tropical and warm temperate places. It grows in wet often salty or calcareous locations often near streams or drains. It grows in hot arid places. In Pakistan it grows between 300-2,000 m altitude. It can tolerate some shade. It can grow in arid places. It can tolerate some salt. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 3,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Britain, Central Asia, Chile, China, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Europe, France, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Madagascar, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Paraguay, Portugal, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, Uruguay, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten cooked or raw.

A minor vegetable of local importance in times of food scarcity.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds need light to germinate.

Its other names

Local names

Baicuru-acu, Dolceta, Enciamet, Pajarilla de agua

Synonyms

Several