Species Name

Family

Local name(s)
Wozber (Amargna)

General description
The plant is an erect stalk with many indentations being extensions of stem. Flowers are yellow and small. The plant is growing up to 30cm high. 

Edible part(s), preparation methods and palatability
Leaves and stalks are edible. The species is considered a typical famine food and is eaten by everybody in times of food shortage. Destitute people ('those with nothing better to do') are collecting and consuming the plant whenever it is available. The plant grows from July to September and the plant becomes available from July onwards. Women and children collect the plant. The leaves and the stalks are being chopped and boiled in salted water for about one hour. If available, spices and pepper can be added for the taste. Heavy consumption of this plant can cause headaches. Domestic animals are consuming this food as well, e.g. dogs, chicken etc. 

Agroecology
Grows in highland areas (where the sample was found) but may also grow in other agroecological zones.

Propagation method(s) 
propagates by ... 

Sample location (s)
Mekane Birhan, Jana Mora Woreda, North Gonder.

Remarks
There is traditional aspect to the species that defines it a typical food of the poor and destitute. People quarreling may call each other 'wozbechari', the one who has to dig with his hands for 'wozber'. 

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Wozber plant.jpg (87089 bytes)
'Wozber' plants (Photo by Anna Barnett, Ethiopian Venture) in Jana Mora Woreda, North Gonder

Wozber Detail.jpg (51701 bytes)
Detail 'Wozber' plants (Photo by Anna Barnett, Ethiopian Venture) ) in Jana Mora Woreda, North Gonder.