Koegab
Aptosimum albomarginatum
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
A herb or small shrub. It is erect and spiny. It grows up to 60 cm high. The stems are woody and pale brown. The leaves are narrow and sword shaped with a spiny tip. They are white with thickened edges to the leaf. The flowers are pale blue and tube shaped. They are produced in the axils of the leaves. The fruit are oval capsules 6 mm long.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid places with a marked dry season. It grows in well drained sandy or loamy soil. It grows between 760-1,800 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The leaves are used to make a tea like drink. It has a gingery taste. The roots are used as flavouring and to make a coffee substitute.
Edible parts
Leaves - tea, roots - coffee
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Glloreba, Guxab