Craterostigma pumilum

Family: Linderniaceae

What it is like

A small herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves at the base are in a ring. They are broadly oval and 2-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They are hairy underneath. The flowers arise from the centre of the ring. They are blue or pink.

Also put in the family Scrophulariaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in moist shallow soil over rocks. In East Africa it grows from 100-3,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The roots are chewed for the taste. (It is like a sweet carrot.)

Edible parts

Root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kankarasho

Synonyms

Torenia auriculifolia Dombrain; Torenia pumila Benth.;