Scaevola plumieri

Family: Goodeniaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows up to 50 cm high. It is branched and leans over. The branches are thick and succulent. The leaves are 2-8 cm long by 8-35 mm wide. They taper to the base. The leaf scars are prominent. The fruit is fleshy and purple. It is edible but acrid.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They grow in coastal areas in coastal sands. They are widespread on tropical seashores. It grows on sandy soils and dunes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Anguilla, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Benin, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Central Africa, Central America, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, India, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, North America, Pakistan, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, Togo, USA, West Africa, West Indies

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

The fruit can float in sea water.

Its other names

Local names

Hel u buki, Ndiob diuam, Wogbo

Synonyms

Lobelia plumierii Linn.; Scaevola lobelia Murr.; Scaevola uniflora Stocks;