Hottentot's bread
Brachystelma pulchellum

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A succulent herb. It grows 20 cm long from a thick tuber that is 5 cm across. There are 2 or more branches from the base and these divided. The leaves are spreading. The leaf blade is 4-20 cm long by 2-15 cm wide. They are oval or sword shaped. The flowers occur singly or in pairs.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean or subtropical plant. It grows on stony ground.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Eswatini, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

A famine food.

Edible parts

Root, tubers

How it is grown

It can be grown by dividing the rhizome or tuber. It can also be grown by stem cuttings. It can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Micraster pulchellus Harv.;