Maerua oblongifolia
Maerua oblongifolia (Forssk.) A.Rich.
Maerua oblongifolia is a low, woody, bushy under-shrub that can be scandent, reaching 2–3 meters in height. It features a thick root stock, thick leaves, and strongly scented flowers. It is native to regions in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Yemen, and Zaïre. In India, it is known by several local names, including Bhoochakra gadda in Telugu, Bhoo Chakra Gedde in Kannada, and Poomicchakkarai Kizhangu in Tamil. The plant's tubers are collected and sold as street food in various Indian towns and cities.
Description
Maerua oblongifolia belongs to the Capparaceae family and was first described in 1848. It is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions, often growing near fountains, especially in hilly areas. The plant is valued for its edible tubers, which are gathered by local tribes and sold in markets. Its scientific name was published by A.Rich., based on earlier work by Forsskål.
Distribution
Benin · Burkina · Cameroon · Central African Repu · Chad · Djibouti · Ghana · India · Kenya · Mali · Mauritania · Nigeria · Oman · Saudi Arabia · Senegal · Somalia · Sudan · Uganda · Yemen · Zaïre
Synonyms
Maerua amphilahensisMaerua albomarginataMaerua lanzaeMaerua rogeoniiMaerua scebelensisMaerua racemosaMaerua dasyuraMaerua dolichobotrysMaerua erythreaeMaerua virgataNiebuhria oblongifoliaStreblocarpus angustifoliaStreblocarpus oblongifoliaStreblocarpus ovalifoliaStreblocarpus scabraCapparis heteroclitaCapparis heterogeneaCapparis mithridaticaCapparis oblongifoliaCrateva oblongifoliaMaerua angustifoliaMaerua scabraMaerua ovalifoliaNiebuhria arenariaMaerua virgata var. glabraMaerua oblongifolia var. glabraMaerua oblongifolia var. scabraMaerua oblongifolia var. mithridaticaMaerua oblongifolia var. amphilahensisMaerua arenaria var. glabra
