Fibrestem
Xerophyta equisetoides

Family: Velloziaceae

What it is like

A herb. The stems are erect and there are a few short branches. It grows 2 m tall. The leaves are in clusters at the ends of the branches. They are narrow. The flowers are pale mauve or white. The flowers have a sweet scent. They are on slender stalks.

There are 28 Xerophyta species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on rocky hillsides.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The flowers are used as a sauce.

Edible parts

Flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Vellozia equisetoides (Bak.) Bak.; Xerophyta retinervis var. equisetoides (Baker) Coetzee;