Wild cockscomb
Hermbstaedtia odorata

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A herb or small shrub. It is erect and keeps growing from year to year. It has rhizomes or underground stems and grows 75 cm high. The leaves are alternate and 5 cm long by 1 cm wide. They taper at both ends. The flowers are in spikes at the top of the plant and these often droop. The flowers are small, papery and red or orange and in spirals around the stem. There are 3 named varieties.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid areas. It can be on sandy or loamy soils. It grows below 1,650 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are used in vegetable dishes.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Eshilalodi, Thepeleshwane, Ubuphuphu, Ubupupu, Umiwandle, Xingalafumana, Xinzilwana

Synonyms

Hermbstaedtia elegans Moq.;