Corchorus depressus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A herb. It lies along the ground and forms a mat. It is woody and keeps growing from year to year. The young branches have a few hairs. The leaves have 3 ribs. They are broadly oval and 4-18 mm long by 2-9 mm wide. The flowers are yellow. They are 6-8 mm across. The fruit is a long capsule. It is 7-22 mm long and has a beak.

These have also been in the Tiliaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Pakistan it grows in semi-arid and arid regions from sea level to 1,000 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Cape Verde, East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan

How it is used for food

The plant is used to make a herbal drink. The whole plant is used as a potherb.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Baephli, Bahu phali, Boh phali, Khurand, Munderi

Synonyms

Antichorus depressus Linn.; Corchorus antichorus Raeusch; Corchorus depressus (L.) C. Chr.; Corchorus humilis Munro; Corchorus microphyllus Fresen.; Corchorus prostratus Royle;