The information on local (indigenous) potatoes is often confusing, primarily because so much of it is still anecdotal; although this may reflect the limited access to articles that I have in Burundi.
Plectranthus esculentus - National Academy of Sciences, USA
Above is a picture of one of the two varieties, the second – Solenostemon rotundifolius has beautiful leaves:
A herb with prostrate or ascending habit and a succulent stem reaching up to 15-30 cm in length, forming tubers in clusters around the base of the stem. The tubers are small and dark-brown.
USES The tubers are used in the same way as potatoes.
GROWING PERIOD Annual herb, tubers are ready for harvest after 150-200 days from planting.
COMMON NAMES Hausa potato, Country potato, Coleus potato, Madagascar potato, Koorka, Kembili, Ubi kembili, Innala, Ratala, Ketang, Fra-fra potato, Saluga, Sudan potato, Tumuku, Fa-birama.
FURTHER INF Scientific synonyms: Coleus rotundifolius, C. dysentericus, Plectranthus rotundifolius, P. tuberosus. Low night temperatures promote tuber development. Recorded yields vary from 7-15 t/ha but higher yields may be obtained. Possible native to Ethiopia. Sources
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Diana, have you any idea if tubers are made into alcoholic drinks? Are Solenostemon’s leaves edible or do they have other uses?
Good question, Mariana. Not that I’m aware of, but I’ll also ask around. Alcoholic drinks seem to be made only of ‘above ground’ plants. There is a funney description by the explorer Baker of making whisky from sweet potatoes – I’ll find it and put it up.