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 Western province of Zambia. The purpose of this study is to find out the best utilization of these plants so that many 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 Dioscorea hirtifolia and Solanestomon rotundifolius which can only be eaten after cooking/boiling, species like Cyperus papyrus, Trapa natans, Nymphaea sp. and Nyphoides sp., etc., can be eaten raw, which is an added advantage. Apart from this, they can be eaten throughout the year. An edible oil is also extracted from the roots of Nymphaea and Nymphoides roots after crushing it. This oil can be used for preparing a variety of relishes.