Ofenga
Pseuderanthemum whartonianum
Family: Acanthaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It grows up to 1.5-6 m high. The leaves are oval and have prominent veins.
There are about 60 Pseuderanthemum species. They grow in the tropics. A species called Pseuderanthemum palatiferum in Vietnam has been found to assist the growth rate in piglets. Not in The Plant List. In Singapore a plant Pseuderanthemum eldorado looks very similar.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. Grows in coastal and inland areas. It grows on atolls.
Countries/locations it is found in
Kiribati, Pacific, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten cooked. Sometimes the water is changed to remove bitter tastes. The cultivated pale leafed types are less sour.
An important edible green in Malaita in the Solomon Islands.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
It is grown from stem cuttings. It can be grown as a hedge.
Its other names
Local names
Aidua, Burape, Burako, Faele, Gofere, Gurape, Gure, No Ute, Nyia nyivale, Osiosiga, Pure, Siki, Sungu, Taeve, Te iamaii, Te iaro, Wasina