Chenopodium schraderianum
Chenopodium schraderianum
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Pl. 04AF — Chenopodium schraderianum
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IOverview
Overview
Chenopodium schraderianum, known by its common name, is an annual plant that thrives in full sun and moist conditions, growing up to 1.2 meters tall. Native to regions including Angola, Botswana, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, and other parts of East Africa and the Middle East, this plant has a wide native range across various habitats. It is valued for its edible leaves and seeds, making it useful in local cuisines. One distinctive feature of C. schraderianum is its adaptability to different soil types—light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay)—making it a resilient species in diverse environments.
Quick answers
What is Chenopodium schraderianum?
Chenopodium schraderianum, known by its common name, is an annual plant that thrives in full sun and moist conditions, growing up to 1.2 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chenopodium schraderianum thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows up to 1.2 meters tall and is native to regions including Angola, Botswana, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, and other parts of Africa and the Middle East. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Propagation can be done through seeds.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Chenopodium schraderianum for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and full sun, perfect for a beginner gardener.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Prepare loose, well-draining soil by mixing in some compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep and 30 cm apart. Alternatively, start seedlings indoors and transplant them after the last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water gently to avoid disturbing young roots.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to encourage bushy growth. Harvest leaves as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves and seeds of Chenopodium schraderianum are edible. The leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked, while the seeds are often dried for later use. Both parts add a mild flavor to dishes.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 10 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 20 native· 10 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)HungaryItalyRussia
Asia4 regions
native (3)PakistanSaudi ArabiaYemen
introduced (1)China
Africa17 regions
native (15)AngolaBotswanaChadDjiboutiEritreaEthiopiaKenyaNamibiaRwandaSomaliaSudanTanzaniaUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
introduced (2)EswatiniLesotho
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces, Zaïre
introduced:Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 04afa7ef-85c0-4e66-9b63-2ae12410d812
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