Tassel flower
Emilia coccinea

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows about 30-100 cm high. It has weak stems. They are hairy in the lower parts. The leaves are often purple underneath. The lower leaves are spoon shaped and 12 cm long by 5 cm wide. Higher leaves are 20 cm long by cm wide and do not have a leaf stalk. The flowers can be yellow, orange or red. They are showy and in compact heads. These are on long stalks at the top of the plant. The fruit is dry and 2-5 mm long.

There are 24 Emilia species. It is used in medicine. In literature it has often been confused with Emilia lisowskiana.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is best in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. It needs a protected position in part shade. It is damaged by frost or drought. In Tanzania it grows from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa (country/location of origin), Asia, Australia, Benin, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central America, China, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Equatorial-Guinea, Europe, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pacific, Poland, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Southern Africa, South America, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten raw in salads. They are also chopped and cooked. The taste is slightly acid and with a touch of bitterness. They are often mixed with other vegetables.

They are not popular. It is only of local importance. They are sometimes sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

Aninge, Chinguwo, Cupid's paintbrush, Etiologbo, Flora’s paintbrush, Kluapo, Limijang'ombe, Mukasa, Nhatuco, Red thistle, škrlatna emilija, Ulimi wa ngombe

Synonyms

Cacalia coccinea Sims; Cacalia gracilis DC.; Cacalia sagittata DC.; Emilia flammea Cass; Emilia gracilis DC.; Emilia javanica (Burm.f.) C. B. Rob.; Emilia sagittata (Vahl) DC.; Hieracium javanicum Burm.f.; Senecio javanicus (Burm.f.) Koord.; Sonchus amboinensis Hort. ex Steud.;