Chocolate weed, Red-weed
Melochia corchorifolia
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A herb or small shrub that can re-grow each year or continue growing for a few years. It grows 0.2-1.5 m high and spreads 0.5-1.5 m wide. It has a somewhat woody rootstock. The lower stem is hollow. The young growth can be slightly hairy. The branches can be spreading or erect. The leaves are 2-6 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They are sword shaped or oval. Sometimes the leaves have 3 lobes. The edge of the leaf has small teeth. The tip of the leaf is pointed. The flowers are 1 cm across. They occur in short clusters and are purple. They are near the ends of branches. The petals are about 0.5 cm long. The fruit is a capsule about 0.5 cm across. It is round and usually slightly hairy.
There are about 55 Melochia species. They grow in the tropics. Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical and subtropical plant. It usually grows naturally in swampy or moist soils. They benefit from organic matter in the soil. Plants can grow in light shade. They are damaged by frosts. In Nepal it grows up to 1300 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, China, Congo DR, East Africa, Fiji, Gambia, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pantropical, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The tender leaves are eaten cooked as a vegetable. They are also used in soups. The cooked leaves are slimy and a popular side dish.
It is locally important as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. The seeds can have a hard seed coat that needs treatment to help germination. Seeds germinate best at 35-40°C.
In Australia, plants flower in March to September.
Its other names
Local names
Akulu, Asa ara, Ban pate, Bayam rusa, Bilpat, Bundaya, Ceruvuram, Chibwatiko, Chikondavu, Chipondafuu, Chipondavu, Chuncha, Chyeron, Cumare-turo, Dasokerotan, Dela ara, Delka ara, Dhela arxa, Dhela sag, Ganuga pindikura, Jaring, Khapat, Lemak kepiting, Lemak ketam, Limah ketam, Mulumbwa, Pilaw, Pilaw-akyi, Pinnak-kuppundu, Sore, Thuiak, Tikiokra, Tobre-guelongue, Trungcua la-bo, Urang-aring, Wild mallow