Corchorus trilocularis

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows to about 1 m tall. It is an erect plant and branches. Sometimes the branches hang over. The young branches are often purple. When young they can be hairy on both sides of the stem. The leaf is 2-12 cm long by 0.5-3.5 cm wide. They are oblong and the tip is pointed. The edges of the leaf can have teeth or be indented. The leaf stalk is 2.5 cm long. Flowers occur as one to 3 together on flower stalks opposite the upper leaves. The fruit is a many seeded capsule 2.5-7 cm long. The fruit points upwards and is straight or slightly curved. It has 3-4 angles and 3-4 valves. The seeds inside these are dark brown and oval. They are about 1 mm across.

There are about 100 Corchorus species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows as a weed along roadsides, hill sides and on grassy plains. It grows between sea level and 2,400 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Angola, Arabia, Asia, Australia, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Africa, China, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, East Africa, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Europe, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, North Africa, Northeastern India, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Rwanda, Sahel, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, UAE, Uganda, West Africa, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked as a potherb. Because it is slippery it is cooked with other coarse leaves. They are also used as a sauce or relish. It cooks quickly. Leaves can be dried and stored.

It is a cultivated food plant. It is a popular vegetable. It is sold in markets. It is highly palatable.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, flowers, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds can be planted in rows or broadcast.

Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Al moulinouquia, Apoth, Atigo, Bwenka, Chelewa, Chench, Chepkaratian, Chimdendele, Delelemukula, Denje, Etigo-apio, Gucha, Kala, Kankhumba, Kibwando, Kumulele, Lagada, Legen, Likombe, Linyololo, Mlenda, Mondrokol, Ntonono, Otigo lum, Phinyu, Senujaga, Sesemranda, Shosha interse, Weakeh

Synonyms

Corchorus asplenifolius E. Mey. ex harv. & Sond.; Corchorus serraefolius DC.; Corchorus triflorus Boj.; Corchorus aestuans Forskk.;