Spiny white lips
Sclerochiton ilicifolius
Family: Acanthaceae
What it is like
A small compact shrub. It grows 1-2 m tall. It has several short strong stems. The leaves are in clusters at the ends of the branches. They are small and broadly oval. They are 1-2 cm long by 1 cm wide. There are deep teeth around the edge with a sharp spine on the end of each. The leaves are dark green above and more pale underneath. The leaves are stiffly leathery. The flowers are 3 cm long and white to cream. The petals have lines of dense silvery hairs. There are 2-4 flowers in a group. The fruit are oblong pointed capsules.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows among rocks on hot, dry mountain slopes. They grow in the Waterburg mountains in South Africa.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, South Africa, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The roots are very sweet containing monatin.
Edible parts
Roots - sweetener