About Melochia corchorifolia L.
Melochia corchorifolia L. is an annual or perennial herb that typically grows 1.3 to 2.0 meters tall. Its stems have lines of stellate hairs. Its leaves are simple, ovate, and arranged spirally, with densely serrated margins. Leaf blades vary from narrow to broad toward the tip, and measure up to 7.5 cm × 5.5 cm; leaf petioles are generally 5 cm long, with 6 mm long linear stipules. Leaf veins range between 5 cm and 7 cm in length.
This species is common in the southeastern United States, where it has been recorded growing from North Carolina south to Mississippi. It is also widespread in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It typically grows in sunny or lightly shaded humid areas along rivers and lakeshores, and frequently occurs as a weed in cotton, soybean, and rice crops.
Melochia corchorifolia reproduces via seed. Scarification is widely believed to significantly improve germination rates, and scarified seeds germinate successfully at temperatures between 35 °C and 40 °C. This species has been observed to act as a host for fungal diseases including Rhizoctonia solani.
The leaves of Melochia corchorifolia are eaten as a potherb in West Africa, southern Africa, Indo-China, and India. In Malawi, cooked leaves of this plant are a popular, slimy side dish. Its stems are used for tying bundles and in the construction of house roofs.
