Wild foxglove
Sesamum capense
Family: Pedaliaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It is an annual plant with a taproot. It grows 2 m tall. The stems have 4 angles. The lowest leaves have 5-7 lobes. The higher leaves have 3 lobes. The flowers are large and have a tube 2-4 cm long. They occur singly in the axils of leaves. The flowers are purple. The seeds are small and light brown and have wings.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in well-drained sandy or stony soil. It is often over limestone material. It grows between 500-1,500 m above sea level. It is rare in Swaziland. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland
How it is used for food
The seeds are eaten with boiled maize. The seeds also yield an edible oil.
It is a cultivated food plant.
Edible parts
Seeds, seeds - oil
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Aprilbaadjie, Chinhonhoane, Lenonya, Molokelela