Mankiling
Asclepias multicaulis

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A slender herb. It grows 30 cm long and can be lying along the ground. It branches at the base and can have several spreading and hairy stems. It has a milky sap. The leaves are simple and spreading. They are broad at the base and taper to the tip. The flowers are in a single group at the top. There are 6-8 flowers in the group with equal length stalks from one point. The flowers are small and 5 mm long. The fruit is a follicle tapering to a beak.

Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae. An unresolved name in The Plant List.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Lesotho, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten raw or cooked. The stems, flowers and pods are also similarly used. The roots are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Leaves, stems, flowers, pods, roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Lenkileng

Synonyms

Gomphocarpus multicaulis (E. Mey.) D. Dietr.;