Rough heliotrope
Heliotropium asperrimum
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It grows 0.3-1 m high and spreads 0.3-1 m wide. The stems are rough and hairy. The leaves are 2.5-9 cm cm long by 0.3-1.8 cm wide. They are stiff and hairy. The edges curl backwards. The tip is blunt. The flowers are 0.6 cm across. They are white. The nut is wrinkled.
There are about 250 Heliotropium species.
Where it is found
It grows in Central Australia. It needs an open sunny position. It can tolerate frosts. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The seeds are ground into a paste then cooked.
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.