Old world diamond flower
Oldenlandia corymbosa

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

An erect annual herb. It grows 30 cm high. The leaf blades are 1-4 cm long by 1-7 mm wide. The leaves are entire, sword shaped and opposite. The flowers are white. They are in long stalked groups. The flowers occur as 1 to several in the axils of leaves. The fruit is a half round capsule 1-2 mm long by 2-3 mm wide. The seeds are pale brown. They are 0.3 mm long. There are some varieties.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It occurs between 450-1,450 m above sea level. It grows in open areas with grass or damp shady areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bangladesh, British Indian Ocean Terr., BIOT, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Gabon, Guiana, Guianas, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Korea, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Northeastern India, Pacific, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South America, Suriname, Tuvalu, Venezuela, West Africa, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves and young branches are cooked and eaten. They are often cooked with fish or meat. The leaves and stems are burnt and the ash mixed with water then filtered and used as a tenderiser for other vegetables. The ash can be stored for several months.

It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Bel-belguel, Bonjaluk, Deushri atheng, Hingalar, Khethpapra, Mkeyamasha, Nyangulunga, Tuntini

Synonyms

Oldenlandia caespitosa Linn.; Hedyotis corymbosa (Linn.) Lam.;