Brazilian fire-weed
Erechtites valerianifolius

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A tall annual herb. It grows up to 1-2 m tall and is much branched. The top of the stalk wilts and bends over. The stem is soft. The lower leaves have leaf stalks. The leaves are toothed around the edge. The leaves are 5-25 cm long by 2-8 cm wide. They are also divided. The leaves get smaller higher up the plant. Flower are pink-red and they become white fuzz.

It is classed as a weed in some places. Erechtites valerianifolius and Erechtites valerianifolia are both considered accepted names in The Plant List

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the tropics and subtropics. In Papua New Guinea it occurs above 900 m altitude. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

American Samoa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Caribbean, Central America, China, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Guiana, Guyana, Hawaii, Indochina, Indonesia, Marquesas, New Zealand, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Rotuma, SE Asia, South America, Taiwan, Tonga, Tropical America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young leaves before flowering are eaten as a potherb. They are eaten fresh, boiled, fried and pickled. The water is changed to remove the smell. The young flowers are eaten. They are eaten raw or steamed and eaten with rice.

In Papua New Guinea it was introduced by the Japanese and the leaves eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bon kapahi, Caricoba, Federal fireweed, Hangoran ure ure, Hoang that, Ogen, Rau tau bay la xe, Sintrong

Synonyms

Cacalia prenanthoides Kunth; Crassocephalum valerianifolium (Link ex Wolf) Less.; Erechtites ambigua DC.; Erechtites organensis Gardner; Erechtites petiolata Benth.; Erechtites valerianifolius (Kunth) Cuatrec. ex Belcher; Senecio albiflorus Sch.Bip.; Senecio lactucoides Klatt; Senecio valerianifolius Rchb.; Senecio valerianifolius Wolf. [Illegitimate]; Senecio valerianifolius Link ex Spreng.;