Common Name:

General Information

Sesamum angolense is a densely leafy, annual or, more commonly, perennial plant that can grow up to 3 metres tall but is usually smaller[]. The plant can be branched or unbranched[].
A popular food in parts of Africa, the plant also supplies medicines and soap for the local population. Often harvested from the wild, it is also sometimes cultivated in various parts of Africa, including Sudan[]. The plant is sometimes sold in local markets[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Habitat

Disturbed grassland, roadsides, along river valleys and in open woodlands and abandoned cultivation, at elevations from 400 - 2,400 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual/Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[]. They are wilted and cooked alone or can be mixed with other vegetables such as beans, peas or amaranth, and then served with a staple food such as rice[]. The cooked leaves form a very slimy product known in Nyasaland as 'thelele'[]. In some areas groundnuts are not added as they do not mix in well. The dish is often eaten by women particularly when they are eating bran porridge, gaga, and occasionally by men. It is one of the common dishes to give to babies and invalids[]. The leaves are sometimes dried, powdered and stored for later use[].

Medicinal

The leaves are pounded, soaked in water and the infusion used to treat constipation and to stop vomiting[].
The leaves are pounded with water and the liquid poured into the eyes and also over the ears, nose and mouth to cure smallpox[].

An infusion of the roots is drunk at the time of labour to hasten delivery[].

The roots and leaves are used for treating measles and poisoning[].

Other Uses

The leaves are soaked in cold water which is then used as a shampoo that oils and straightens the hair[].
The leaves are used as a substitute for soap[].

Propagation

Seed -

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