Mestoklema tuberosum
(L.) N. E. Br.
Donkey fig
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(c) Gigi Laidler, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Gigi Laidler
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) megan_smith213, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) megan_smith213, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A drought-tolerant succulent plant with fleshy roots native to subtropical regions, belonging to the Aizoaceae family.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The roots and stem are fermented to make beer and used as a yeast substitute for bread-making.
Traditional Uses
The roots and stem are used to ferment beer. They are also used as a yeast substitute for making bread.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a subtropical plant. It can tolerate drought.
Where It Grows
Africa, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa,
Cultivation
It can be grown from seeds.
Notes
Also put in the family Mesembryanthemaceae.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 150
- Fox, F. W. & Young, M. E. N., 1982, Food from the Veld. Delta Books. p 268
- Ruiters-Welcome, A. K., 2019, Food plants of southern Africa. Ph.D. thesis. Univ. of Johannesburg p 8
