Butterfly lobelia
Monopsis decipiens

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A herb. It can grow for one or several years. It can be erect or lie along the ground. The stems are 5-45 cm long. The leaves are alternate and close together. They are 8-15 mm long by 1-2 mm wide.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in grassland and often in seasonally wet places. In Zimbabwe it grows between 1,400-1,800 m above sea level. It often grows in spring after an area has been burnt.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The plant is eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Lobelia decipiens Sond.;