Kansura, Kanshura
Commelina forskaolii

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

A herb. The stems are fleshy and lie along the ground. They form roots at the nodes. The leaf stalks form a sheath around the stem. The leaves are small. The flower emerges from a pocket like spathe. The flowers are blue.

There are about 230 Commelina species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows on gravely soil. It can be on sandy soil over limestone material. It grows from sea level to 1,700 m above sea level. It grows in hot arid places and places with a marked dry season. It can tolerate drought. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, North America, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Socotra, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, USA, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seeds are used to make flour for bread. The leaves are cooked and eaten. They are soft when cooked so are often mixed with coarse vegetables or maize.

The leaves are widely used. They are of average palatability.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from root cuttings.

The branches are threshed to collect the seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Dzadza, Goche, Goshe, Kikoe, Kikowe, Kimore, Nkwasia

Synonyms

Commelina falcata Hassk.;