EMERGENCY FOOD PLANTS AND POISONOUS PLANTS 



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I. Boerhaavia diffusa. — This is a rather diffuse, spreading 

 or ascending, branched herb with small pink flowers, the 

 stems often reddish or purplish. Common in open places 

 especially near the seashore back of the beach. The some- 

 what thickened leaves and young somewhat fleshy stems 





Figure 41. — Boerhaavia diffusa. 



may be cooked and eaten. The roots are reported as being 

 eaten in Fiji in times of scarcity, but as their use as food 

 affects the kidneys, they should be used with caution if at 

 all. Local names: Katuri, vidve, rima, dafoe, kisi, kalisi-lisi, 

 runa, runa-runa, muna-muna. 



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