Rumex usambarensis
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
A straggling shrub. It has soft stems. It grows 1-2 m high. The stems are tinged brown and are soft and juicy. The leaves are oblong. The leaves have 2 short lobes near the base. There are 3 distinct veins. The flowers are in a branched, red flowering arrangement. The fruit are oval and 3 sided.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. In Kenya it grows between 900-2,500 m altitude. It grows in areas with rainfall between 1,100-2,200 mm. It grows in mountain grassland, woodland and exposed rocky slopes. It is best in soils rich in humus.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Central Africa, Congo DR, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda
How it is used for food
Caution: The leaves contain oxalates. The stems are chewed raw. They are cleaned and peeled before chewing. They are also roasted and eaten with sugar or salt. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable.
The young leaves and stems are often chewed by children.
Edible parts
Leaves, stems, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Leaves are collected during the rainy season.
Its other names
Local names
Enkaisujoi, Enkaiswishoi, Gentamana, Kiweriweri, Linyimbili, Mchachu, Mdoda, Mintoonik, Munyugunyugu, Nywanywa, Omufumbwa, Oseille chinoise, Umufuumbageshi