Kalmus
Alepidea longifolia

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It has one stem. It grows 1.2 m tall. It has a thick rootstock. The leaves at the base are in a ring. They are spoon shaped and taper to the base. There are teeth with bristles at their tip along the edge of the leaf. The leaves on the stem do not have leaf stalks. The flowers are in a small group at the top of the plant.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate and subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten. They are cooked and mixed with nettle leaves (Urtica urens) and peanuts

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cocwane, Inkazane, Ikhokhwane, Khisogo, Likhatsato, Likhokhwane, Linjata, Uhlosa, Ujesa, Ujeza

Synonyms

Eryngium caffirum Koso-Pol.;