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Species name
Commelina
sp (diffusa, latifolia, forskalaei, imberis)1 bengalensis (L.)
Family
Commelinaceae
Local name(s)
Gishee (Ari),
Yweha ankur (Amargna), Ganaia (Oromiffa), Water Maker (English)
General description
The plant is a weed growing
both in bush and in farm fields. The leaves have a broad base and slightly
clasp the stem (length 3-4 times width). Flowers are distinguished by having
two upper blue petals and one white or very pale lower petal. There are
no underground stems. Seeds are smooth, round and in clusters of 4.
Edible part(s),
preparation methods and palatability
Leaves and tender parts are boiled
and consumed after being prepared in ball form with other foodstuff, particularly
maize. Prior to boiling the edible part has to be mildly sun-dried to reduce
moisture in the materials.
Agroecology
The plant only
grows in moist areas, e.g. near swamps and rivers in the lowlands and can
be found in the Chercher highlands, in the Arsi and Bale highlands, in
the Central highlands and in the Western lowlands (1,200 - 1,900m).
Propagation
method(s)
Propagates by
seeds and vegetative.
Sample location(s)
Kaissa
Kebele, Bako-Gazer (South Omo)
Remarks
1 Parts
of the following description have been taken from Stroud A, Parker C, 1989:
p. 52/53
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C. latifolia (Stroud & Parker,
1989: p. 53)
C. diffusa (Stroud & Parker, 1989:
p. 53)
C. diffusa seedling (Stroud &
Parker, 1989: p. 53)
Commelina species, Kaissa Kebele,
Bako-Gazer (South Omo) |
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