Edible Uses & Rating: Shoots and leaves have been eaten traditionally, but strong oxalate levels make them irritating, with a burning sensation that increases with quantity. Boiling does not adequately remove the irritation. Other parts are not recommended as food. As a practical wild edible this species ranks very low. Edibility rating: 1/5 (emergency only) [2-3]. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Raw leaves present a fleeting suggestion of green beans and spinach overlaid by a peculiar, resinous “chemical” note; within a few bites a throat/mouth burn develops. Boiling softens texture to a spinach-like mush but does not meaningfully reduce the oxalate burn or improve flavor. Shoots may be marginally milder than mature leaves, yet still irritating. There is no reliable processing method (blanching, multiple water changes, drying) that yields consistently palatable results; consequently, routine culinary use is not advised [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology): Germinates rapidly after summer monsoon rains; vegetative growth and flowering occur from mid-summer into early autumn, followed by quick fruit set and senescence as soils dry. In frost-free microsites it may persist or resprout, but most plants behave as fast-cycling annuals. Harvest & Processing Workflow: If documentation or tasting is required: harvest very young shoots/leaves immediately after a rain when turgid. Rinse thoroughly. Briefly blanch and test a tiny portion; discontinue if any burn develops. There is no safe or effective home method to convert this plant into a regular potherb; do not attempt seed use.Look-Alikes & Confusion Risks: Readily confused with other Boerhavia (e.g., B. coccinea, B. spicata, B. wrightii) that share the thin, wiry habit and tiny, 5-lobed flowers; all are broadly similar in edibility (poor) and chemistry (oxalates). Distinguish from Mirabilis (four-o’clocks) by the small, funnelform flowers and club-ribbed anthocarps of Boerhavia versus larger showy perianths in Mirabilis. Seedlings can resemble small Amaranthus; check for opposite, unequal leaves and sticky ribbed fruits as plants mature. Traditional/Indigenous Use Summary: Ethnobotanical notes record shoots and leaves eaten by some Native American groups despite irritation, likely as opportunistic greens following monsoon rains. Use appears limited and situational rather than a staple, aligning with modern field experience of poor palatability.

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None Known

Ecology & Wildlife: Flowers provide small quantities of nectar/pollen for minute desert pollinators during the monsoon window. The plant’s rapid boom-and-bust cycle converts brief moisture pulses into seed and modest cover, contributing to patchy ground-layer diversity. Sticky or ribbed anthocarps aid epizoochorous dispersal (on fur, feathers, clothing).

Special Uses