Eriosema nutans

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 1.5 m high. The branches can be erect or laying over. It grows from a thick root stock. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The flowers are in dense clusters. The flowers are small and pea-like.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is common in NE tropical Africa. It is rare in Swaziland. It grows in seasonal swamps and cultivated areas. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The roots are eaten raw by children.

It is eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chinkwisi, Khenogwane, Khunguswa, Kurte

Synonyms

Eriosema polystachyum aucct.; Eriosema buchananii Baker f. var. richardii (Baker f. & Hayden) Staner; Eriosema richardii Baker f. & Hayden;