Stathmostelma propinquum

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A short herb. It grows 15 cm high. It has low spreading branches. The stems arise from a tuberous rootstock. The tubers are oval and cream. They taper towards the bottom. They are 15 cm long and 6 cm wide. The tubers and the plant have milky latex. The leaves are opposite and very narrow. They are long and slightly hairy.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in seasonally dry areas. In Kenya it grows from sea level to 2,400 m altitude. It is most common between 1,500-1,800 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania

How it is used for food

The tubers are peeled and eaten raw.

Edible parts

Tubers, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aluir, Amorog, Oltiakule

Synonyms

Asclepias propinqua N. E. Br.;