Coleus esculentus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:37, 16 February 2025

A detailed overview of Coleus esculentus

Coleus esculentus, commonly known as the edible coleus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to parts of Africa and is cultivated for its edible tubers.

Description[edit]

Coleus esculentus is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 30 to 60 cm. The plant has a square stem, characteristic of the Lamiaceae family, and opposite leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The leaves are typically green, but can have variegated patterns.

The plant produces small, tubular flowers that are usually purple or blue, arranged in terminal spikes. The flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive organs.

Cultivation[edit]

Coleus esculentus is cultivated primarily for its tubers, which are rich in carbohydrates and can be used as a food source. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can be grown in a variety of climates, although it thrives in warm, tropical regions.

Propagation[edit]

Propagation of Coleus esculentus is typically done through tubers or cuttings. Tubers are planted in the soil at the beginning of the growing season, while cuttings can be taken from mature plants and rooted in a suitable growing medium.

Uses[edit]

The tubers of Coleus esculentus are edible and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, baking, or frying. They are a source of carbohydrates and can be used as a substitute for potatoes in many dishes.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Coleus esculentus''' is a species of flowering plant in the family [[Lamiaceae]]. It is native to Africa, specifically the regions of [[West Africa]] and [[Southern Africa]]. The plant is commonly known as the African potato or Hausa potato, due to its edible tubers that resemble potatoes.
+{{Short description|A detailed overview of Coleus esculentus}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Coleus esculentus
+| image = Plectranthus_esculentus00.jpg
+| image_caption = Coleus esculentus plant
+| regnum = [[Plantae]]
+| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
+| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
+| unranked_ordo = [[Asterids]]
+| ordo = [[Lamiales]]
+| familia = [[Lamiaceae]]
+| genus = ''[[Coleus]]''
+| species = '''''C. esculentus'''''
+| binomial = ''Coleus esculentus''
+}}
-== Description ==
+'''''Coleus esculentus''''', commonly known as the edible coleus, is a species of flowering plant in the family [[Lamiaceae]]. It is native to parts of [[Africa]] and is cultivated for its edible tubers.
-The '''Coleus esculentus''' plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has a thick, fleshy root system with tubers that are typically 5-10 cm in diameter. The leaves are opposite, ovate to elliptic, and have a serrated margin. The flowers are small, blue or purple, and arranged in terminal spikes.
-== Cultivation ==
+==Description==
-'''Coleus esculentus''' is primarily cultivated for its edible tubers. The plant prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. It is drought-tolerant and can be grown in regions with poor rainfall. The tubers are harvested when the plant's leaves start to yellow and die back.
+''Coleus esculentus'' is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 30 to 60 cm. The plant has a square stem, characteristic of the [[Lamiaceae]] family, and opposite leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The leaves are typically green, but can have variegated patterns.
-== Uses ==
+[[File:Plectranthus_esculentus00.jpg|thumb|right|''Coleus esculentus'' tubers]]
-The tubers of '''Coleus esculentus''' are a staple food in many parts of Africa. They are rich in carbohydrates and provide a source of dietary fiber. The tubers can be boiled, roasted, or used in soups and stews. In addition to its culinary uses, the plant has traditional medicinal uses. It is used in the treatment of various ailments including stomach disorders and respiratory problems.
-== Research ==
+The plant produces small, tubular flowers that are usually purple or blue, arranged in terminal spikes. The flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive organs.
-Research into the potential health benefits of '''Coleus esculentus''' is ongoing. Some studies suggest that the plant may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore other potential health benefits.
-== See also ==
+==Cultivation==
-* [[List of African dishes]]
+''Coleus esculentus'' is cultivated primarily for its tubers, which are rich in carbohydrates and can be used as a food source. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can be grown in a variety of climates, although it thrives in warm, tropical regions.
-* [[Traditional African medicine]]
-[[Category:Flora of Africa]]
+===Propagation===
-[[Category:Culinary herbs and spices]]
+Propagation of ''Coleus esculentus'' is typically done through tubers or cuttings. Tubers are planted in the soil at the beginning of the growing season, while cuttings can be taken from mature plants and rooted in a suitable growing medium.
-[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
-{{plants-stub}}
+==Uses==
+The tubers of ''Coleus esculentus'' are edible and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, baking, or frying. They are a source of carbohydrates and can be used as a substitute for potatoes in many dishes.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Lamiaceae]]
+* [[Coleus]]
+* [[Edible tubers]]
+[[Category:Lamiaceae]]
+[[Category:Edible plants]]
+[[Category:Root vegetables]]