Dog's cabbage
Theligonum cynocrambe
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
A low annual herb. It often lies along the ground. It has an unpleasant smell. The stems have swollen nodes. The leaves are succulent. They are alternate but the lower ones are opposite. They are oval and do not have teeth. The flowers are small and green. They are 2-3 mm long and borne in small side clusters. Male and female flowers are separate but on the same plant. Male flowers have 2-3 lobes and female flowers are tube shaped. The fruit are 2 mm long and like nuts.
Also put in the families Cynocrambaceae and Theligoniaceae.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in rocky habitats and on sandy ground. It is often in damp and shady places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The leaves are sometimes used as a potherb.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Kusyuregi