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Crassocephalum vitellinum
Scientific Name: Crassocephalum vitellinum
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Crassocephalum vitellinum
Crassocephalum vitellinum, also known as Embiribiri or African spinach plant, is a flowering herb originating from Africa.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Crassocephalum vitellinum (Benth.) S. Moore
- Family: Compositae (Asteraceae)
- Genus: Crassocephalum
- Synonym: Gynura vitellina
Distribution and Habitat
This plant is native to Africa, specifically found in:
- Bioko
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zaire (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
- West-Central Tropical Africa
- East Tropical Africa
- S Nigeria, W Cameroons and Fernando Po
It is often found in grassy clearings in montane regions and along swamp edges.
Morphological Characteristics
Crassocephalum vitellinum is a weak, straggling herb that can grow up to 1 meter in height.
Traditional Uses and Properties
- It is used as a vegetable and medicinal plant, particularly in Central Africa.
- Research has explored its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytoprotective properties.
Quirky Facts
- Crassocephalum vitellinum is sometimes referred to as "African Spinach," highlighting its culinary use.
Further Information
For more information, you can refer to:
- EOL (Encyclopedia of Life)
- Tropicos
- IPCN (International Plant Names Index)
- B and T World Seeds' database
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Burkill, H.M., 1985. The useful plants of West Tropical Africa. 2nd Edition. Volume 1, Families A–D.)
- Tela Botanica's eFlore