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Maerua crassifolia is a species of plant in the Capparaceae family. It is native to Africa, tropical Arabia, and Palestine, but is disappearing from Egypt. Foliage from this plant is used as fodder for animals, especially camels, during the dry season in parts of Africa. It is also used as a famine food by humans in central Africa, where it is called jiga. Maerua crassifolia was considered sacred to the ancient Egyptians. There are a number of historical medicinal uses.
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[edit] References
- Cook, J.A. et al (1998). Nutrient content of two indigenous plant foods of the estern Sahel: Balanites aegyptiaca and Maerua crassifolia. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 11:3 221-30.
