Schwenckia americana
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
An annual herb or small shrub. It grows 1 m tall. It is woody at the base. The leaves are alternate. The leaves are 4 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. The upper leaves are smaller. The flowers are white and at the top of the stem.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in savannah woodland, palm groves and wet grass savannah. It grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo DR, Gabon, Guiana, Guianas, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Paraguay, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South America (country/location of origin), Suriname, Venezuela, West Africa
How it is used for food
Caution: There are reports that the plant can damage red blood cells.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Bedjo, Belebelinguele, Psito, Serere, Timim-timim-o