Margaretta rosea

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A herb. It has a large swollen root. The plant grows up to 40 cm tall. The plant has few stems. The leaves are opposite. They are narrowly sword shaped. They are up to 10 cm long. They have a few hairs. The flowers are small and golden yellow. They are in groups at the ends of stems. The fruit are follicles and 5-8 cm long.

Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Nigeria it has been recorded at 1,670 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, West Africa, Zambia

How it is used for food

The roots are eaten as a famine food. They are soaked, dried, pounded into flour and then cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Tubers, roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Nchenche

Synonyms

Margaretta whytei K. Schum.;