Cape forget-me-not
Anchusa capensis

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

A herb. It has tall stems with grooves along them. It grows 60 cm tall. The leaves are bright green. They are narrow and long and rough and hairy to touch. The flowering stems are 1 m tall. The flowers are a vivid blue. They are on the top half of the stems. They have 5 bright blue petals. The seeds are inside small green cups.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It is not common in Swaziland.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Botswana, Eswatini, India, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

The flowers are added to salads. They are also used in drinks and desserts. The leaves are also eaten as a potherb.

It is a cultivated plant.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Petlekheme

Synonyms

Cynoglossum enerve;