Plant Information

Common Name: COCKSPUR FLOWER
Scientific Name: Plectranthus parviflorus
Alternative Names: Little Spurflower

N/A

R95.00

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Description

• Perennial
• Cockspur Flower is native to Hawaii, Polynesia and Australia.
• It is a pretty groundcover 30-50 cm high with scented leaves and bear attractive blue or white flowers throughout the year.
• Cockspur Flower has small edible, fleshy tubers that are produced in clusters at the base of the stems - they are ready to harvest about 4 - 5 months after planting.
• It is a good food source for bees and grows best in a sunny position in a well-drained soil, preferably sandy to loamy soil.
• Because of the edible tubers they are grown extensively in parts of Asia and Africa.

Culinary Uses

• The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked - the whole plant has a slightly minty taste.
• The edible tubers look like small potatoes and can be used like you would use traditional potatoes.
• They have paper thin skins – just run them under the tap and rub then roughly in your hands to remove any dirt or mud.
• There is no need for peeling.
• Boil or microwave for a few minutes – then add a little bit of butter - they have a mild hint of garlic and mint.

Parts Used

• The tubers and leaves.

Medicinal Uses. It is said that

• A poultice of the leaves, and/or a wash made from an infusion of the leaves, is used as a treatment for syphilitic sores.
• Cockspur Flower has also been shown to contain compounds that inhibit HIV-1.

The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.

Mountain Herb Estate, and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided. By use of this site and the information contained herein you agree to hold harmless Mountain Herb Estate, its affiliates and staff