Isoglossa lactea
Family: Acanthaceae
What it is like
A trailing or scrambling herb. The stems can climb 1-2,5 m. They develop from a woody base. The leaves are opposite and narrowly oval. They are 8 cm long. The tip tapers and the base narrows. They are red underneath. The flowers are white. They are in large open heads. Each flower is 12 mm long. They are funnel shaped. The fruit are hard capsules. They are brown and pointed. They are 2 cm long.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. In grows in evergreen forests in mountain regions. In Tanzania it grow between 1,300-1,800 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
How it is used for food
The leaves are collected, chopped and cooked with coconut milk.
Leaves are sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Leaves, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Leaves are collected during the rainy season.
Its other names
Local names
Litimbatimba, Mtonyati-ngoshi