Blue bitter-tea, Eared bitter-tea
Gymnanthemum myrianthum

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It is erect and 3-6 m high. It usually only branches at the base. The stems and the underneath of the leaves are densely hairy. The leaf stalks are 5 cm long. The leaf blades are oval and 30 cm long by 12 cm wide. There are irregular pointed teeth along the edge. The flowers are in loose large clusters 40 cm across. There are many flower heads. They are mauve.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows along the edges of mountain rainforest. It also grows along streams. It suits humid locations.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, East Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Linyatselo

Synonyms

Cacalia myriantha Kuntze; Vernonia ampla O. Hoffm.; [Illegitimate] Vernonia subuligera O. Hoffm.; Vernonia chiarugii Pic. Serm.; Vernonia lujae De Wild.; Vernonia myriantha Hook.f.; Vernonia myriantha var. ampla (O. Hoffm.) Isawumi; Vernonia myrianthoides Muschl.; Vernonia podocoma Sch. Bip. ex Vatke; Vernonia stipulacea Klatt.; Vernonia subuligera O. Hoffm.; Vernonia uhligii Muschl.;