Dwarf elephant root, Eland's bean
Elephantorrhiza elephantina

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A low shrub. It has a large woody rootstock. Several leafy shoots arise from this each year. They can be 1 m high. The leaves are twice divided. They can be 15 cm long. There are 10 pairs of pinnae and 40 pairs of leaflets. These are 5 mm long by 1 mm wide. They are pointed. The flower spikes arise from near the base of the shoots. They are erect and 8 cm long with many flowers. They are cream or white. The fruit is woody and flattened.

Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in shrubland and grassland. It grows between 250-1,800 m above sea level. In Swaziland it is in the high veld only. It grows in areas with a rainfall above 200 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The pods are burnt and used as a coffee substitute. The roasted beans are used for coffee. The young leaves are used to make a relish.

Edible parts

Seeds - coffee, fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chizezepasi, Intfolwane, Intolwane encinyane, Looiersbossie, Mositsane, Umdzafu

Synonyms

Elephantorrhiza burchellii Benth.; Acacia elephantorhiza DC.; Acacia elephantina Burchell;