threelocule corchorus
Corchorus trilocularis L.

Corchorus trilocularis, commonly known as threelocule corchorus, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is widely distributed across various regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe, and has been introduced and naturalized in several locations. This species thrives in a range of habitats, from wooded savannahs and open forests to disturbed sites and agricultural areas. It is valued for its use as a food source and is known by local names such as 'kilembe' and 'kilembe-da-mata' in some regions.
Description
Corchorus trilocularis is an annual herb that grows in a variety of environments, including wooded savannahs, open forests, thickets, and along riverbanks. It is also commonly found in croplands, fallow fields, and disturbed areas. The plant is characterized by its herbaceous structure and is known for its adaptability to different ecological conditions. It is used as a food source and has been documented in regions such as Angola, where it is referred to by local names like 'kilembe' and 'kilembe-da-mata'. The species is considered introduced and naturalized in many areas, with its native range extending to Europe and Asia.
Habitat
Threelocule corchorus is typically found in wooded savannahs, open forests, thickets, and along riverbanks. It also thrives in croplands, fallow fields, and disturbed sites, indicating its adaptability to human-altered environments. The plant is well-suited to a range of ecological conditions, allowing it to establish itself in diverse habitats across its distribution range.
Cultivation
While Corchorus trilocularis is primarily a wild species, it can be found growing in agricultural settings and disturbed areas, suggesting some level of tolerance to cultivation. It is likely to thrive in well-drained soils and requires moderate moisture. As a food plant, it may be grown in home gardens or forage systems, particularly in regions where it is traditionally used.
Uses
Corchorus trilocularis is primarily used as a food source. In some regions, it is consumed as a vegetable or incorporated into local diets. Its nutritional value and availability in disturbed and agricultural areas make it a potentially valuable plant for subsistence farming and food security. Additionally, the plant may have potential for use in traditional medicine, though specific medicinal applications are not widely documented.
Other common names
threelocule corchorus
Distribution
ZA · SZ · KM · TF · YT · QA · IN · MG · DJ · NA · AU · Kruger National Park · Afghanistan · Algeria · Angola · Assam · Benin · Botswana · Burkina · Burundi · Cape Provinces · Cape Verde · Central African Repu · Comoros · Congo · Cyprus · Djibouti · East Himalaya · Egypt · Eritrea
Synonyms
Corchorus aestuansCorchorus aspleniifoliusCorchorus fruticulosusCorchorus gracilisCorchorus rigidiusculusCorchorus serrifoliusCorchorus somalicusCorchorus triflorus