Parapolydora fastigiata

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows each year from seed. It has slender branches. These are spreading and slightly woody. It can grow up to about 1 m high. The leaves narrow towards the base. The tip is pointed. There are a few teeth along the edge. The lower leaves are sword shaped. They are 5 cm long by 1 cm wide. The upper leaves are more narrow. The flower heads are on slender stalks. They are purple.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. In Swaziland it is in the low veld only. It grows in hot arid places. It grows between 3-1,800 m above sea level. It grows in well-drained soils. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Worldwide, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked and eaten as a potherb. They are also added to soups.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Lehlanye, Vitola

Synonyms

Cacalia fastigiata Kuntze; Vernonia fastigiata Oliv. & Hiern; Vernonia schinzii O. Hoffm.;