Calyptrotheca somalensis

Family: Portulacaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It lies along the ground. The stems and leaves are succulent. It grows 3 m high. It has a large fleshy, tuberous rootstock. The leaves are oval with wavy edges. They are 2.5 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. The flowers are greenish or white. They are 4-20 in a cluster. They are at the ends of the small branches. The fruit are oval and yellow. They are 1 cm long and have 1 seed. The seed is black with a red, loved aril.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry soils. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall above 400 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia

How it is used for food

The sap is used for drink.

Edible parts

Sap, root sap - thirst

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Dalol, Duhn, Mukhudu-nyuma, Solol

Synonyms

Talinum rivae Chiov.;