Water root, Narrow-leafed kambro
A tropical plant. It grows in hot arid places. They need a sunny warm position. In Swaziland it grows in the lowveld only. It grows in the Kalahari. It grows in regions with a dry period of 6-11 months. It is best in shade. In southern Africa it grows between 800-1,200 m altitude.
Also known as:
Dicava, Ecava, Enongo, Kambro, Kghoa, Khoa, Leruswa, Licava
Synonyms
- Cynanchum omissum Bullock
- Fockea angustifolia var. volkii G. Court
- Fockea dammarana Schltr.
- Fockea lugardii N. E. Br.
- Fockea mildbraedii Schlechter
- Fockea monroi S. Moore
- Fockea sessiliflora Schltr.
- Fockea tugelensis N. E. Br.
Edible Portion
- Tuber, Root, Stems
Where does Water root grow?
Found in: Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Notes: There are 6 Fockea species.
Status: The tubers is the most important source of water for bushmen in Namibia.
Growing Water root, Narrow-leafed kambro
Cultivation: The top of the tuber is usually left in the ground to re-grow.
Edible Uses: The swollen roots are eaten raw when young. Older ones are roasted. They are also used for jams and preserves. The tubers are cut into small squares and put in water to which a little lime has been added and the extract is used to prepare a chunky jam.
Production: The tuber can be harvested again after 2-3 years.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubers | 25 | 0.5 | 0.6 | - | 3.8 | 0.2 | 91.3 |
References
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