Description:

In Central Africa, this plant is known as a bitter-tasting vegetable and is also used for various medicinal purposes. In Congo, the leaf is eaten against diabetes, prepared by frying it without oil and salt. In many African countries, the leaf is also boiled or added to stews. Many components of the leaf have disinfecting properties and are said to stimulate the immune system. Furthermore, it is used to cure diarrhea, rheumatism, and snake bites. Overall, this is a plant with many uses that grows well as an annual. It is a fast grower so that the maximum height of 60 centimeters is quickly reached. At this height, the plant flowers with edible white flowers with extraordinary purple stamens. This can become an invasive species in tropical areas, so this plant can only be grown in temperate climates with a cold period to prevent invasive spreading.