Oldenlandia capensis

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It can extend upwards or lie along the ground. It grows 8-22 cm tall. It can form mats. The leaves are 1-3 cm long by 1-5 mm wide. They are narrowly oval. They taper to the tip and are wedge shaped at the base. The flowers can be of 2 or 3 forms. They can occur singly or in small groups. The fruit is a capsule about 2 mm long. The seeds are brown and 0.3 mm long.

There are about 100 Oldenlandia species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows along river banks and in cracks in rocks and well as in grassland. It grows from sea level to 910 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, East Africa, Egypt, Gabon, Madagascar, Malawi, Mediterranean, Morocco, Mozambique, North Africa, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Iteka

Synonyms

Hedyotis geminiflora Sond.; and others