Lobelia anceps
Family: Campanulaceae
What it is like
A small herb. It grows each year from seed. It has slender winged stems. It grows 30 cm high. The leaves are alternate , simple and well spaced. The upper leaves are long and narrow. The leaves near the base are 3 cm long. The leaves have small teeth. The flowers are small and pale blue. They are along stalks that can be at the end of the stems or in the axils of leaves. The fruit are dry narrow capsules.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in damp places. It can be be near streams and on coastal sand. In Tanzania it grows from sea level to 1,800 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Tasmania, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The young leaves are chopped and cooked. Caution:
Edible parts
Leaves, vegetable
How it is grown
It can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Leaves are collected during the rainy season.
Its other names
Local names
Anambosaka, Sambae