Pseudeminia comosa

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A herb. It can lie along the ground or be a climber. It can grow 2-9 m high. It grows between 780-1,800 m above sea level. The leaves have leaflets that are more pale underneath. There are 3 leaflets 4-13 cm long. They usually have rusty hairs. The flowers are pea shaped and green to dull purple brown outside. They are pale violet inside. The flower heads have long stalks. The flowers are in pairs. The fruit are narrow pods. They are 2 cm long and flattened. There are 2 dark brown seeds

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows between 800-1,800 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The root tuber is eaten raw. It is the sweet juice that is eaten.

Edible parts

Root, tuber

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

The tuber is dug up during the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Limbizu, L'Indo

Synonyms

Rhynchosia comosa Baker; Eriosema lobophyllum Harms; Eriosema urostachyum Harms;