Mysore asystasia
Asystasia mysorensis

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It grows from seeds each year. It grows from 35-70 cm tall. The leaves are opposite. They are narrowly oval and slightly hairy. They are 10 cm long. The flowers are white with green markings. They have long hairy bracts around them. The fruit is a yellow-brown capsule. It narrows at the base.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in damp locations. In East Africa it grows between 500-1,900 m altitude. In Tanzania it grows in areas with an annual rainfall of 1,000-2,100 mm.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

A minor vegetable of local importance. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

Leaves are collected in the early rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Acwewanggweno, Atipa, Ecototo, Ikonito, Mkekomba, Nyante, Tikini

Synonyms

Asystasia schimperi T. Anderson; Asystasia rostrata (Hochst. ex Nees) Solms;