Zaleya pentandra is a prostrate perennial herb of the Aizoaceae family. It is widespread in semi-arid and arid climes and also in woodlands and can adapt to different ecological zones.[1]
The species is native to Africa with further dispersal to the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, India, and Pakistan.[2] It is sometimes called African purslane. It grows as a xero-halophyte herb in desert regions of Cholistan and Thar in Pakistan.[3]
The stems are papillose to glabrous and branches pubescent. Leaves can grow in various sizes, 1.5 – 4 cm long and 0.6 - 2.7 broad; oblanceolate to elliptical, dark green with a tinge of grey on the surface.[4] Petioles are shorter than the blade at about 8 – 11 cm long with sheathing at the base.[5]
A material used by some locals in folk medicine, root and leaf extracts are applied to treat snake bites, cough or stomach issues.[3] However, it is also considered highly toxic in some areas in India and as an invasive weed in regions of Pakistan.[2]
In Senegal, it is used as cattle fodder.[1]
Zaleya pentandra is a prostrate perennial herb of the Aizoaceae family. It is widespread in semi-arid and arid climes and also in woodlands and can adapt to different ecological zones.
