Calicorema capitata
Family: Amaranthaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It loses its leaves during the year. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 2 m high.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry locations and semi-desert. In southern Africa it grows from 400-1,500 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The roots are fermented to make a beer. They are scraped clean, chopped then dried in the sun and with water and honey used to make a beer or wine.
Edible parts
Roots - drink
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Dai, Dairu, Ongarati