Odumtsana
Brachystelma dinteri

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A herb. It has underground stems or rhizomes. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 50 cm high. It has a tuber 3-5 cm across. The leaves are narrowly oval. They are hairy on both surfaces. The flowers are in groups. They are dark red or spotted. They have a bad smell. The tuber is 4-10 cm across. The fruit are cylinder shaped.

Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant that grows in hot and arid places. It grows in places with a marked dry season. In southern Africa it grows between 1,200-1,700 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The root tubers are eaten raw or roasted in the ashes.

Edible parts

Root, tubers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ceropegia dinteri Schltr.;