Milkweed
Euphorbia striata
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
A herb. It has a woody rootstock. The stems are soft and leafy. These are 50 cm high. The leaves on the stem do not have stalks. The leaves are erect and narrow. They are 4 cm long by 3 mm wide and are pointed. The flowers are at the top of the branches. There are 3 or 4 slender flowering shoots in a loose cluster. The leaves near the flowers are broad and almost kidney shaped. The fruit is 3 angled and slightly rough. It is 3 mm across.
Caution: It can irritate the skin.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot dry places often with a marked dry season. It grows between 15-2,590 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland
How it is used for food
The edible parts are added to sour milk to give it flavour.
Edible parts
Roots - flavouring
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Matswana, Mohlatsisa, Umhlonhlo