Parapodium costatum
Family: Apocynaceae
What it is like
A stout, erect herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 35 m tall. It grows from a thickened rootstock. The stems are simple and unbranched. They are airy towards the top. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are oblong or sword shaped and thick and hairy on the upper surface. The edges can be slightly wavy. The flowers are in groups or 3-7 on side stalks. The flowers are 10-15 mm long and bell shaped and yellowish-green. The fruit is a follicle with a few lumps.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical crop.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, South Africa, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The leaves are cooked as a spinach.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Phomametsu, Sehamelapoli