Purslane-leaved aizoon, Zulu spinach
Aizoon canariense

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A herb that lies along the ground. It can re-grow each year or continue to grow from year to year. The small branches are zig-zag. The leaves are hairy and taper to a short leaf stalk. The leaves are oval or spoon shaped and alternate. The edges of the leaves curl slightly upwards. The flowers are star shaped. They are in the axils of leaves and the forks of branches. The flowers are 3-8 mm across and do not have stalks.

There are 12 genera and 170 species in the Aizoaceae. They are succulent plants often in coastal areas of the tropics.

Where it is found

It will grow in Mediterranean and tropical climates. Zululand. In Bahrain it grows in sandy or gravelly soils. It can grow in arid places. It is salt tolerant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Bahrain, Canary Islands, Central Africa, Chad, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Iran, Kenya, Mauritania, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, North Africa, Pakistan, Western Sahara, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, United Arab Emirates, UAE, West Africa, Zimbabwe, Zululand

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten raw as salad. They are also cooked. The seeds are used for porridge and other cereal based dishes.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Adda, Hadag, Helmah, Inyongwane, Jafnah, Matsana, Samh, Taghassoult, Tezza

Synonyms

Aizoon procumbens Crantz; Glinus crystallinus Forssk.;