Desert caper
Maerua oblongifolia

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It can be a climber. It grows up to 3 m high. It has a thick root stock. The leaves are thick. The flowers have a strong scent.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows on stony and sandy soils. It will re-grow after fire. It grows between 300-1,350 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Chad, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mali, Middle East, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sahel, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, West Africa, Yemen

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten. The root tastes like coconut and is eaten with sugar.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bhoochakra dumpa, Bhoochakra gadda, Chepanyirit, Deldamhi, Epipa, Gala, Kingisia, Kumkumje, Latacha, Lecho, Qali

Synonyms

Maerua virgata Gilg; Maerua scebelensis Chiov.; Maerua dasyura Gilg & Benedict;