Cibwelele
Nidorella microcephala

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It grows each year from seeds. It grows 1.5 m tall. The leaves are alternate and simple. They do not have a leaf stalk. The leaf blade is oval or spoon shaped. It is 2-14 cm long by 1-6 cm wide. The leaf blade gradually narrows to an ear shape near its base. There can be rounded teeth. The flowers are in a head. This is about 2 mm long. The flowers are bright yellow. The fruit is dry and oval but slightly flattened

There are 15 Nidorella species. They are in Africa.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows near rivers. It can be on sand or clay. It grows between 300-1,800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten as a vegetable.

It is a very minor vegetable. It is eaten locally especially in the dry season.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Didi

Synonyms

Nidorella resedifolia DC subsp. microcephala (Steetz) Willd.;