Indigofera alternans

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It can lie along the ground. It has underground stems or rhizomes. It can be 2 m long. The leaves are compound with leaflets along the stalk with a leaflet at the end. The flowers are small and red. They are 4-5 mm long. The fruit is a small narrow pod. It is slightly curved and has 6-8 seeds. It has stiff hairs.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid places. It grows between 155-1,600 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The roots are eaten raw and fresh.

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Makotla, Oshimbadanga

Synonyms

Indigofera effusa E. Mey; Indigofera enneaphylla Eckl. & Zeyh.;