Persian carpet flower
Edithcolea grandis

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A succulent herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It does not have leaves and lies along the ground. It grows up to 30 cm tall. The stem is 2-3 cm across. It is 5 angled. The angles have hard brown spine like teeth. The flowers usually occur singly at the ends of branches.

Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in hot dry desert areas. It grows in sunny locations and sandy soils. It is damaged by frost or drought. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa (country/location of origin), Australia, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Middle East, Socotra, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen

How it is used for food

The stems are eaten as a vegetable.

It is a minor food.

Edible parts

Stems, roots, vegetable

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds or cuttings. Cuttings root easily at 27°C. The soil needs to be well drained.

Its other names

Local names

Tapis persan, Xamakow

Synonyms

Edithcolea sordida N. E. Br.;