Ethiopian potato, Gala potato
Plectranthus edulis

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It produces tubers on stolons or runners from the stems. There are several varieties that vary in leaf colour, tuber colour and size and other characteristics.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Ethiopia it grows between 1,600-3,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, East Africa, Ethiopia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The tuberous root is eaten raw. The leaves are cooked and eaten.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Root, leaves, rhizome, tubers

How it is grown

Plants are usually grown from tubers. It can also be grown from young sprouts from the tubers. Young plants can be transplanted.

The crop matures in 4-5 months after transplanting.

Its other names

Local names

Agew dinich, Ajo, Dinicha oromo, Gurage dinich, Welaita dinich, Wolaita dinich

Synonyms

Coleus aquaticus Gurke; Coleus edulis Vatke; Coleus palustris Vatke; Coleus rivularis Vatke; Coleus tuberosus A. Rich. [Illegitimate]; Majana richardiana Kuntze;