Nemesia fruticans

Family: Scrophulariaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It is an erect plant. It grows 40-60 cm high. It can have many branches. The stems are angled and red-purple. The leaves are narrow and small and usually opposite. There can be teeth along the edge. The flowers are like snapdragons with 2 lips and a spur. They are 15 mm long. They occur singly in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. The fruit are flat capsules. They have 2 chambers and split open to reveal small seeds. Each seed has a membranous wing.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It often grows along streams. It is damaged by frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked as a vegetable. They are added as a relish to porridge.

Edible parts

Leaves, stems

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seeds. It can also be grown by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Nemesia capensis Kuntze; Nemesia divergens Benth.; Nemesia foetens Vent.; Nemesia gracillima Dinter;