Palmite rush
Prionium serratum

Family: Juncaceae

What it is like

A plant that grows in water. It forms dense stands 1.8 m tall. The leaves are narrow and taper to the tip. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are in a branched group at the top of the plant. The flowers are 2 mm long. The fruit is a capsule. There are 1-2 seeds in each chamber.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the beds of rivers.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The inner parts of the young stems is eaten. Young flowers are eaten.

Edible parts

Shoots, bud, rhizomes, root, flowers, stems

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Palmiet, Sela, Tsetla

Synonyms

Acorus palmita Licht.; Juncus serratus L.f.; Prionum palmita E. Mey.; Prionoschoenus serratus (L.f.) Kuntze;