Starstalk
Oxygonum dregeanum
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
An erect herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 50 cm tall. The leaves are somewhat succulent. They are long and narrow. There are often 2 teeth-like lobes near the base. The flowers are in clusters at the top of the plant. They are white and with pink tinges. The fruit are small and oval. There are 2 subspecies and some varieties.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in grassland and along roadsides.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The leaves are used as a vegetable and for flavouring.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Umdambane, Umkhandu, Untabane