Koyyalakura
Suaeda monoica

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 3 m high. The stems at the base can be 15 cm across. It develops annual fruiting branches. The leaves are succulent and narrow and 10-20 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. The flowers are in spikes at the ends of side branches.

Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae. It has a C4 pathway.

Where it is found

It can grow in salty clay and along river beds and near the base of cliffs. It can grow in mangrove swamps.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, East Africa, India, Iran, Jordan, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and used as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Xudhuun

Synonyms

Lerchia monoica (Forssk. ex J. F. Gmelin) Kuntze; Salsola monoica (Forssk. ex J. F. Gmelin) Poir.; Schoberia monoica (Forssk. ex J. F. Gmelin) Steud.;