Corchorus urticifolius

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A herb. It lies along the ground. It is an annual plant and grows 1 m tall and 25 cm wide. The leaves are alternate and narrowly oval. There are teeth along the edge. The leaves are 5-8 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The flowers are in groups of 2-4. They are opposite the leaves. The petals are yellow. The fruit is a 3 sided capsule. There are 3 seeds.

Where it is found

It grows in sandy loams. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, East Africa, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Myanmar, SE Asia, Somalia, Tanzania

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a green vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chepkarkarian, Mlenda, Sagar

Synonyms

Corchorus quinquenervis Hochst. ex A. Rich.; Corchorus subscandens Wall. [Invalid];