Tylachium africanum
Family: Capparaceae
What it is like
A small evergreen shrub. It can grow to 4.5 m tall. The bark is dark grey. It has large tuberous roots. The leaves can be compound with 3 leaflets or be simple. The leaflets are up to 10 cm long. The flowers are in large clusters. They are greenish-white with purple centres.
Where it is found
It grows in scrub and on termite mounds.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Malawi
How it is used for food
CAUTION The roots need special preparation. The roots are used as a famine food. They are boiled and treated.
Edible parts
Root, tuber
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Mkalachulu