Rumex ruwenzoriensis
Chiov.
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(c) Nick Helme, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Nick Helme
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(c) Pádraic Flood, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa
(c) Pádraic Flood, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)
Description
A tropical herb in the Polygonaceae family with edible leaves and stems.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
Leaves and stems are eaten.
Known Hazards
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, plants in this genus can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, which is what can give their leaves an acid-lemon flavour. Perfectly alright in small quantities, leaves containing oxalic acid should not be eaten in large amounts since it can lock-up other nutrients in the food, especially calcium, thus causing mineral deficiencies. The oxalic acid content will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Africa, East Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania,
Notes
An unresolved name in The Plant List.
Also Known As
Nyiramutebe
References (1)
- Ruffo, C. K., Birnie, A. & Tengnas, B., 2002, Edible Wild Plants of Tanzania. RELMA p 581
