helloplants.org

Maerua subcordata

Family: Capparaceae


What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It produces a large tuber.

It probably has health benefits for malaria.


Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the semi-arid south eastern region of Kenya. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Congo DR, East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda


How it is used for food

The root is chewed and also boiled in soup. The fruit are eaten after repeated boiling.

Edible parts

Root, fruit


How it is grown


Its other names

Local names

Chepulusuw, Erut, Kulup, Pa-ata sheka

Synonyms

Courbonia subcordata Gili; Courbonia tubulosa Gilg. & Gilg.-Ben.;