Limeum viscosum

Family: Limeaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows 30-60 cm high. It is sticky. The leaves are alternate and oval. They are 6 cm long. The flowers are in clusters. They are white. There are some varieties that vary in the shape of the leaves.

There are 28 Limeum species. They are also put in the families Aizoaceae and Molluginaceae

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in sandy soil near rivers. It grows in the Sahara.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritania, Mediterranean, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, North Africa, Senegal, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Western Sahara, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten as a vegetable and also used to thicken milk.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Klosaarbossie, Nwakhombela, Tshitopitopi

Synonyms

Gaudinia viscosa J. Gay Limeum kotschyi (Moq.) Shellenb.;