Common Name: Yams
Description
Dioscorea alata, known as purple yam and many other names, is a species of yam, a tuberous root vegetable. The tubers are usually bright lavender in color, hence the common name, but they may sometimes be white. It is sometimes confused with taro and the Okinawa sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Ayamurasaki), although D. alata is also grown in Okinawa where it is known . . . . .Read more
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Month: March 2013
Digitaria exilis
Common Name: Fonio
Description
Digitaria exilis, with English common names white fonio, fonio millet, and hungry rice or acha rice, is a grass species. It is the most important of a diverse group of wild and domesticated Digitaria species known as fonio that are harvested in the savannas of West Africa. The grains are very small. It has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable use of the land. . . . .Read more
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Cyphomandra betacea
Common Name: Cape tomato
Description
Cyphomandra betacea is a semi-woody shrub or small tree 2-3 m high, rarely 5 m. It is unarmed, pubescent, with a short trunk and stout lateral branches. The bark is grey.
Leaves alternate, simple, entire, usually grouped at the branch tips, with a robust petiole, 4-8 cm long. The limb is large, 15-30 x 10-20 cm, ovate, shortly acuminate, with a cordate base. Young leaves covered on both surfaces with a soft pubescence; with age, the upper surface becomes glabrous. Midrib and principal veins prominent on both surfaces. . . . .Read more
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Cucurbita maxima
Common Name: Pumpkin
Description
Cucurbita maxima, one of at least five species of cultivated squash, is one of the most diverse domesticated species. This species originated in South America from the wild Cucurbita andreana over 4000 years ago. The two species hybridize quite readily but have noticeably different calcium levels.. . . .Read more
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