[4][5] The scientific name for the species alatum comes from the neuter form of Latin alatus meaning "winged".

[7] Its flowers measure 3.5 cm in diameter and are reddish pink with darker lines in the lower lobe of the corolla.

[8] The seeds are edible and can be eaten raw, cooked, pulverized into a powder, or pressed to make oil.

[10] In Chad, where in the local Arabic dialect they are known as Sumsum al rhazal the leaves are eaten.

[11] They are a cultivated crop in some areas of Ghana and the young shoots are edible with a mucilaginous texture; being cooked and eaten as a vegetable.