Tephrosia purpurea subsp. leptostachya

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It can grow each year from seeds or keep growing for a few years. It grows 1 m high.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It can tolerate frost. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 900-1,500 mm. It grows in deep, dry, sandy soils. It grows between sea level to 1,500 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa, Chad, East Africa, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Middle East, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Yemen, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten as a green vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Tephrosia leptostachya DC.;