Sesamum angolense

Family: Pedaliaceae

What it is like

A herb. The stem is erect. It grows 1-2.5 m tall. There are many narrow leaves. They are 5-10 cm long. The flowers are purple. They are in groups 5-7 cm long. The fruit is a capsule that has 4 angled sides and has 4 furrows along it. It is finely hairy. It has a short, broad beak. The seeds are black.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Malawi it grows best at 1,000 m altitude and will grow to 2,100 m altitude. In Tanzania it grows between 400-2,400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Asia, Burundi, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are wilted then cooked and eaten. They are slimy. The leaves can be dried and stored. The seeds can be roasted and eaten or used to extract oil.

A minor vegetable of local importance.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable, seed - oil

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Leaves are collected during the rainy season. Dried leaves can be stored for several months. They can also be powdered and stored.

Its other names

Local names

Chewe, Chikalenda, Chinchesi, Chitowe, Lilendi, Mapoe, Mlenda wima, Mtsukanthomba, Mukonde, Muya, Nahakwahakwa, Nkuyamani, Nyolo-nyolo, Sambwe, Thengo, Zambwe

Synonyms

Volkameria angolensis Kuntze;