Compilation
Talinum esculentum

T. caffrum is one element of a complex occurring from S Ethiopia through eastern and southern tropical Africa to the northern Cape. The complex as a whole is characterised by the possession of a deeply buried tuber from which arise annual stems; alternate leaves with a brief petiole and apical apiculum; yellow flowers in axillary few-flowered cymes, opening in the afternoon; spreading acute petals; and a shiny, yellowish, cartilaginous capsule containing glossy black seeds. Variation within the complex is assigned to four species, but these are not well-defined and identification can be difficult, especially when seed is lacking. The complex is centred on the Kalahari region of southern Africa, where the species are more distinct than at the northern limit of their range in the Flora area. T. caffrum is the only species in the complex with ridged seeds, but rarely these ridges may be inconspicuous e.g. Peter 45652, or even absent e.g. Richards 17595 (this collection has mixed ridged and smooth seeds). However, even when smooth the seeds have the long testa cells without downturned corners of T. caffrum, and the characteristic facies with relatively narrow leaves, short stout peduncles, and a white-fleshed tuber.