Ouret lanata

Mountain knotgrass is an annual with a branching, somewhat woody root system. The stems are mostly straggling and sprawling and spread widely, sometimes as much as in length. The often stalkless leaves are alternate, oval and long. They grow from whitish papery stipules with two lobes and red bases. The tiny clusters of two or three flowers grow in the leaf axils. The flowers are about long, pink, green or dull white. The flowers are normally self-pollinated. Flowering time is from May to October. ==Distribution and habitat==

Ouret lanata is native to tropical Africa, Madagascar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the Indian subcontinent, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, the Philippines, and New Guinea. It is a common weed in arable fields and bare patches of ground. ==Uses==

This plant is used for food for people and animals. The whole plant, especially the leaves, is edible. The leaves are put into soup or eaten as a spinach or as a vegetable. The plant provides grazing for stock, game and chickens. The plant is used as a traditional medicine for snakebites. The plant is also used as a talisman against evil spirits, a good-luck talisman for hunters, and a talisman for the well-being of widows. ==References==