Viola abyssinica

Family: Violaceae

What it is like

A herb that lies along the ground. The stems are slender. They form roots along the stem. The leaves are heart shaped. The flower petals form a sac.

There are about 550 Viola species. About 100 are in tropical America. They are mostly in temperate regions.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in evergreen forest at high altitude in Malawi. It can grow between 1,200-2,500 m above sea level and can reach 3,350 m.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, East Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are occasionally cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Viola emimensis Bojer; Viola zongia Tul.;