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Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip.
| Family Name: | Asteraceae (Compositae) |
| Synonyms: | Vernonia amygdalina |
| Common Name: | Bitter Leaf, South African Leaf |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Nigeria |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Large shrub or small tree up to 2-5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Trunk | Rough, light grey or brown bark flakes longitudinally. |
| Foliage | Green leaves are elliptic (6 mm wide). |
| Flowers | Creamy white, compound flowers known as heads resemble thistle flowers. They are arranged in dense, flat-topped clusters about 15 cm wide. |
| Fruit | Dry, one-seeded fruits, known as nutlets, are covered in tiny glands and bristly hairs. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The bitter(which can be reduced by proper washing) leaves are eaten as raw vegetables. (Herb or Spice) Medicinal: The pith, lead and root have the medicinal qualities. The juice extracted from the leaves are drunk for fever. The pounded leaves mixed with warm water are used for bathing to treat spots on the skin and nausea. The leaves also helps detoxify the body system thereby making the body healthier and free from toxic. The root and twigs are chewed as appetizers. Timber & Products: Both firewood and charcoal are derived from V. amygdalina. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Fragrant (Flowers) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Slope Stabilization |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Cuneate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary, Terminal |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31189 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5583 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |