Chlorophytum pauper

Poelln.

Asparagaceae Edible: Leaves, Flowers

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Description

A bulb plant. It is a herb with an underground stem or rhizome. It grows up to 1 m high. The rhizomes are small and covered with fibres. The roots are thick and have side tubers. The leaves are in a ring of 3-6. They are narrow and 14-47 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They are partly folded and with wavy edges. The flower stalk is angled and 20 cm long. They are 3-angled and round. They are 3-6 mm long by 4-5 mm wide.

Edible Uses

The leaves and flowers are eaten.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows up to 1,100 m above sea level. It grows on the edges of the rainforest. It suits humid locations. It grows near Victoria Falls.

Where It Grows

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Notes

Also put in the family Anthericaceae and Liliaceae.

Synonyms

Chlorophytum kymatodes Suesseng.

References (3)

Grivetti, L. E., 1980, Agricultural development: present and potential role of edible wild plants. Part 2: Sub-Saharan Africa, Report to the Department of State Agency for International Development. p 70
Peters, C. R., O'Brien, E. M., and Drummond, R.B., 1992, Edible Wild plants of Sub-saharan Africa. Kew. p 11
Scudder, 1971,