Ekwakwa may consist of a range of closely related species or varieties.
Some farmers recognise up to four different kinds of Ekwakwa. There are unconfirmed
reports that some Ekwakwa were brought in from other countries. The work group
found three varieties: 1) with red stem, 2) with green stem and 3) with green
stem and large dark spots on the leaves. DESCRIPTIONEkwakwa is an erect annual herb, up to 60 cm high. The dark-green leaves are oval and 2-4 cm long. The leaves often have a characteristic dark ringspot, but these may be missing in some varieties. The flowers are difficult to see as they are small and placed on short spikes along the stem. The underside of young plants are often purple spotted which makes the entire seedling look red.USEEkwakwa is one of the most common species. The plant is picked at seedling stage when it is only 5-6 cm high.Ekwakwa is usually mixed with other species such as Ombidi and Omundjulu if they are available. POTENTIAL FOR CULTIVATIONEkwakwa may be the most promising species for cultivation because it produces many leaves of good quality.It may also be interesting for small stock feed. The mature Ekwakwa plants seem to stay alive for a longer time than other species when the winter and dry season begins. At Ogongo Agricultural College, a litter of rabbits preferred old and rather dry specimens of Ekwakwa to fresh carrot leaves. Seed collection is very easy for this species,
by pulling upwards along the stem when the seeds are mature. Seeds are relatively
large, 1000 seeds = 1 gram.
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