XVI International Botanical Congess
A survey and study of plants that are eaten during drought periods as survival food plants gave way to a specific study on those plants whose rootstocks are eaten raw by people of Zambia. The purpose of this study is to find out the best utilization of these plants so that a lot of people in areas where they grow can make use of them during starvation times. The study has resulted in the discovery of many species that are eaten raw. Unlike other minor roots and tubers such as Dioscorea hirtifolia and Salanestomon rotundifolius, which can only be eaten after cooking/boiling members of the Cyperus, Trapa, lilies, etc., can be eaten raw, which is an added advantage. Apart from this they can be eaten throughout the year.