Roundleaf fat hen
Chenopodium opulifolium

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows 3 m high. The leaves have a mealy covering. The leaf blade is 15-20 mm long. They are oval and can have almost square lobes. The seeds are black and shiny. They are 1.5 mm across.

There are about 100-150-250 Chenopodium species. They are mostly in temperate regions. Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate and tropical places. It grows between 760-2,300 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Britain, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canary Islands, Caucasus, Central Africa, Central Asia, Congo, Czech Republic, Denmark, East Africa, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, North Africa, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Scandinavia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Spain, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, USA, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are mixed with other vegetables. They are also used as a relish. Salt can be made from the plant.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can easily be grown by seed.

Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Ecamoya, Ikornit, Munyu, Shekazeu, Thekizeu, Tiga tiga

Synonyms

Anserina opulifolia (Schrad. ex Koch & Ziz) Montandon; Chenopodium album var. opulifolium (Schrad.) Aswal; Chenopodium album subsp. opulifolium (Schrad. ex W. D. J. Koch & Ziz) Maire; Chenopodium opulifolium Schrad.; Chenopodium triangulare Forssk.; Chenopodium ugandae (Aellen) Aellen; Vulvaria opulifolia Bubani;