Physical characteristics

Annual growing to 1m. It is hardy to zone 0. It is in flower from May to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, hover-flies.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil.

Composition

Figures in grams (g) or milligrams (mg) per 100g of food.

Leaves (Dry weight)

• 295 Calories per 100g
• Water: 0%
• Protein: 24.5g; Fat: 4g; Carbohydrate: 56.4g; Fibre: 12.1g; Ash: 15.1g;
• Minerals - Calcium: 1721mg; Phosphorus: 273mg; Iron: 0mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 11mg; Potassium: 267mg; Zinc: 0mg;
• Vitamins - A: 12mg; Thiamine (B1): 0mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0mg; Niacin: 0mg; B6: 0mg; C: 0mg;

 Seed (Fresh weight)

• 0 Calories per 100g
• Water: 0%
• Protein: 17.5g; Fat: 17.1g; Carbohydrate: 0g; Fibre: 0g; Ash: 0g;
• Minerals - Calcium: 0mg; Phosphorus: 0mg; Iron: 0mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;
• Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0mg; Niacin: 0mg; B6: 0mg; C: 0mg;

Medicinal uses

A juice made from the leaves is used to dress wounds and ulcers [218, 272]. A decoction of the leaves is anti-inflammatory, styptic and alterative [218]. The whole plant is anti-rheumatic; it is also used in enemas to treat intestinal ailments [218]. Substances isolated from the leaves are bactericidal and fungicidal; they are used in the treatment of thrush and candida [218].

Other uses

None known

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