Polygonaceae FAMILY

Rumex usambarensis

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & 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[ 238 Title Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Publication Author Bown. D. Publisher Dorling Kindersley, London. Year 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31 Description A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant. ].

Botanical Description

Rumex usambarensis is a shrub or straggling climber with stems up to 3 metres or more tall[ 398 Title Edible Wild Plants of Tanzania Publication Author Ruffo, C.K.: Birnie, A. & Tengnas, B. Publisher Regional Land Management Unit; Nairobi. Year 2002 ISBN 9966-896-60-0 Description A very well presented, simple guide to growing and utilizing wild food plants in Tanzania, with line drawings of each plant, a description, habitat and range, non-food as well as food uses, plus basic information on growing the plants. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild as a local source of food and medicine.

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeTropical Africa - Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, eastern DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia.

HabitatMontane grassland, open mist forest, bushland, exposed rocky slopes and woodlands and gaps in montane forests, but also near swamps in lowlands, at elevations from 900 - 2,400 metres[ 398 Title Edible Wild Plants of Tanzania Publication Author Ruffo, C.K.: Birnie, A. & Tengnas, B. Publisher Regional Land Management Unit; Nairobi. Year 2002 ISBN 9966-896-60-0 Description A very well presented, simple guide to growing and utilizing wild food plants in Tanzania, with line drawings of each plant, a description, habitat and range, non-food as well as food uses, plus basic information on growing the plants. ].