Walleria nutans

Family: Tecophilaeaceae

What it is like

A herb with a corm or bulb. It grows 30 cm high. There are 1-5 tubers and they are 2-3 cm across. They occur up to 20 cm below the ground. The leaves occur along the stem. They become larger and closer together up the stem. They are narrow and 7-17 cm long by 1 cm wide.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid places with a marked dry season. In grows in well drained sandy loams. It grows between 950-1,700 m above sea level. It can re-grow after fire. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The tuber is eaten raw. It is also cooked and used in other food preparations. The tubers are also roasted and eaten.

It is an important food in some areas.

Edible parts

Bulbs, tuber, root

How it is grown

The tubers can be stored for 3 months. In Namibia they are available for 10 months.

Its other names

Local names

Dchun

Synonyms

Walleria baumii Dammer; Walleria hockii De Willd.; Walleria mackenziei J. Kirk var. nutans (J. Kirk) Baker; Walleria muricata N. E. Br.;