Despite its intense bitterness, bitter leaf is a very common plant used in African dishes, such as ndole, ewuro riro or ofe onugbu. I haven’t cooked any of these dishes myself, but they look mouth-watering! (I really would be happy if someone wanted to share a recipe!)
Bitter leaf is very healthy and has a high level of vitamins A, C, E, B1 and B12, iron, potassium, minerals and phytochemicals.
Bitter leaf may have anti-inflammatory effects and is believed to have a positive effect on the liver. In traditional medicine, it is used for diabetes and malaria. It also seems to be effective against high blood pressure.
The chewed twigs are good against periodontal disease.
Bitter leaf is even added to horse feed called ‘Chusar Doki’. The leaves can be used in beer making instead of hops.
The wood is naturally resistant against termites and make good fence posts.
Bitter leaf is a small shrub or tree, maybe to 5 meters. Even in our warm-temperate climate it can be hacked back severely and it grows back in no time – hence it can be used as a permaculture plant or supportive species. It is very easy to grow.
Kangaroos or deer leave it alone.
Bitter leaf likes good drainage and grows very well in our sandy soil – it even roots if stuck directly in the garden. It dislikes clay but still grows in our poorly drained soil. The plant is moderately drought tolerant once established. It prefers a sunny spot.
I would expect bitter leaf to grow at least as far South as Sydney, but it doesn’t seem to be frost-tolerant.
Bitter leaf can be grown in a pot, probably even indoors.
Cameroon: muop, ndole
Eritrea: grava
Nigeria: onugbu
Rwanda: umubilizi
Tanzania: tuntwano
Uganda: mululuza
Bracheilema paniculatum R.Br.
Cacalia amygdalina Kuntze
Cheliusia abyssinica Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich.
Decaneurum amygdalinum DC.
Gymnanthemum abyssinicum Sch.Bip. ex Walp.
Vernonia adenosticta Fenzl ex Walp.
Vernonia amygdalina Delile
Vernonia eritreana Klatt
Vernonia giorgii De Wild.
Vernonia randii S.Moore
Vernonia vogeliana Benth.
Vernonia weisseana Muschl.