Tarvine
Boerhavia dominii
Family: Nyctaginaceae
What it is like
A herb. It is a trailing plant or lies along the ground. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are simple and 2-7 cm long by 1-6 cm wide. It is paler underneath. The flowers are in a cluster in the axils of the leaves or at the ends of branches. They are white or pink and 1-2 mm long. The fruit is a nut. It is green or brown and 3-4 mm long. Probably now Boerhavia glabrata Blume;
There are about 40 Boerhavia species. They are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in vine thickets.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), East Timor, SE Asia, Timor-Leste
How it is used for food
The root tuber is roasted then peeled and eaten.
It is a significant famine food
Edible parts
Root, tuber
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Wudhugaa