Justicia heterocarpa

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It is hairy and grows each year from seed. The stems are 60 cm long and have ribs. The leaves are opposite and oval. They have soft hairs. The flowers are white or pink with darker marks. There are bracts around the flowers. The fruit are dry capsules.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry grassland. It is often under shade.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Burundi, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Antidy, Mwidu, Ungobo, Ungoto, Unkobo

Synonyms

Justicia heterocarpoides Blatt.;