Guizotia scabra

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

An erect herb or shrub. It grows 1-2 m high. It keeps growing from year to year. It can be smaller on poor soils. The stems often have short hairs. The leaves are opposite. They are 3-15 cm long. They are sword shaped with teeth along the edge. They are sticky to touch. The flower heads are 2-5 cm across. They are yellow. The fruit are dry and 2 mm long.

There are 6 or 7 Guizotia species. They grow in East Africa in the mountains.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Ethiopia is grows at mid and high elevations. In Ethiopia it grows between 1,400-2,800 m altitude. It can grow up to 3,500 m. In Tanzania it grows between sea level and 1,200 m above sea level. It grows in areas with a rainfall between 1.100-1,700 mm. It grows in swampy areas and along streams. It can be in high rainfall grassland.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Middle East, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten. They are harvested when young before flowering. They are also used in soups. The dry seeds are pounded and roasted and eaten also eaten raw. They are mixed with other vegetables.

It is a cultivated food plant. It is a minor food plant.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, vegetable, spice

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seeds often grow naturally after seasonal fires.

It is fast growing. Seeds are collected late in the dry season. Leaves are collected in the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Akoko, Ekiteera-nkuba, Gagie, Hadaa, Igishikashike, Kinikini, Kyotabakaile, Mechi, Mpuishi, Nehuka, Nyamnina, Ridi, Tuufoo, Udda

Synonyms

Coreopsis galericulata Sherff; Guizotia collina S. Moore; Guizotia eylesii S. Moore; Guizotia kassneri De Willd.; Guizotia nyikensis Baker; Guizotia oblonga (Hutch.) Hutch. & Bullock; Guizotia ringoetii De Wild.; Guizotia scabra var. sotikensis (S. Moore) Robyns; Veslingia scabra Vis.; Wedelia oblonga Hutch.;