Caralluma adscendens
Family: Apocynaceae
What it is like
A clump forming succulent shrub. It is trailing at the base and then upright. It grows 30-60 cm tall. The stem are the base can be 2 cm across. It is 4 angled. The leaves are small and simple. The flowers are in groups of 1-2. The fruit are a pair of follicles 10-15 cm long by 1 cm wide. The seeds are oblong.
There are about 56-100 Caralluma species. These are sometimes put in the Asclepiadaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows near Chennai. It grows on bare rocky hillsides.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Burkina Faso, India, Mali, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, West Africa, Yemen
How it is used for food
The tender young shoots are used as a vegetable. They are used to make chutney.
Edible parts
Leaves, fruit, stems
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Hada-sinkula, Karallamu, Kullee mooliayan, Kundaetikommulu, Makaadsing, Periyasirumankeerai, Shindamakad, Taviti chettu