Dorstenia foetida

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A low succulent herb. The stems are swollen. They are 45 cm long. The leaves are alternate and crowded at the top of the stem in a ring. They are 2-18 cm long by 1-2.5 cm wide. The edges are divided and curl under. There are several male flowers around one female flower. They are sunk into a flat disk like receptacle. The fruit explodes.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Middle East, Oman, Somalia

How it is used for food

Small specimens are eaten and larger ones become hot and spicy. The stems can be roasted or boiled.

Edible parts

Stems, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cambar

Synonyms

Dorstenia arabica Hemsl.; Dorstenia crispa Engl.; Dorstenia crispa var. lanceolata Rendle; Dorstenia foetida subsp. lancifolia (Rendle) Friis; Dorstenia foetida var. obovata (A. Rich.) Engl.; Dorstenia obovata Hochst. Dorstenia phillipsiae Hook.f.; Dorstenia radiata Lam.; Korsaria forskalei Steud.; Korsaria obovata Schweinf.;