On the map in 2 countries shrub
Bitter leaf
Vernonia amygdalina
Family: Asteraceae
On our map this plant appears in 2 countries and ranks highest in: Cameroon, Nigeria.
Vernonia amygdalina is a shrub or small tree of the daisy family, usually 2–5 m tall, with elliptic, dark green leaves and small whitish flower heads. The leaves are exceptionally bitter owing to sesquiterpene lactones and saponins, so before cooking they are repeatedly kneaded, rinsed and blanched. The plant roots easily from cuttings, tolerates pruning well and is often grown as a hedge. In African folk medicine it is used for fever, malaria and stomach complaints.
Description from: Cameroon.