Polygonum setulosum

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. The stems are erect, slender and hairy. The leaves are sword shaped and taper to the base. They are usually hairy on both sides. The leaves are 10-15 cm long. The flowers are small and in spikes. They are 5-7.5 cm long.

There are about 50 Polygonum species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, East Africa, Equatorial-Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Middle East, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Yemen

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten. They are bitter when grown on dry land and have a good flavour when grown near water.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chikungu, Kungu ufu

Synonyms

This may be transferred to Persicaria Polygonum barbatum; Polygonum nyikense Bak.;