Salt of the tortoise
Oxygonum delagoense

Family: Polygalaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is an annual plant with a taproot. It grows 60 cm high. The leaves are narrow and sword shaped. They are 6-7 mm long. The flowers are small and white. The fruit are cone shaped.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid places with a marked dry season. The dry season can be 6-11 months. It is often over limestone material. It grows in well drained sandy material. It grows between 90-1,430 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten cooked. It has a moist acid taste. Both the leaves and the fruit are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Compfanhi, Nkopfanhi

Synonyms

Oxygonum dregeanum Meisn. var. pubescens (C. H. Wright) Burtt Davy; Oxygonum junodii De Wild.;