Called solanum macrocarpon, locally, traditionally the fruits are said to represent blessings and fruitfulness and are offered as a token of goodwill, during visits, marriages and other social events. There are so many varieties of african garden egg. The leaves of this one here are mostly eaten rather than the fruits because its not very fleshy, though i hear consuming in large quantities of the leaf may be poisonous. Similarly, like the other leaves -though it has its own distinct properties, it has great antioxidant properties and is a great detoxifier, a great blood tonic to improve blood levels food for diabetics and regulate blood sugar levels and pressure. It aids digestion and is a good laxative, it improves kidney health and function.
It is also quite easy to grow and can grow in any soil and condition though you will get the best yield from a good soil and sufficient watering. It can take almost Three months or even less to get full fruits and nice big leaves for harvest. When it fruits, you can always spread the seed for it to keep growing again and the flowers are a beautiful lilac/purple colour. Unfortunately the plant doesnt keep producing leaves forever like the others but can last a while.
Jatropha Tree spinach(Efo iyana ipaja)

Called Hospital too far, this is a unique plant that can grow as a tree up to 8 feet and is known for a wide variety of benefits such as treating insomnia, strengthening fingernails, improve memory and vision impairment, is a great blood builder against anaemia, is a super antioxidant, used to treat malaria, treat diabetes,.osteoporosis and many more. It is a very green leaf plant that i have noticed has a certain glow in the sun unlike other green plants.
It is very easy and very quick to grow and are grown by cuttings which are a 100 percent guarantee. It is very resilient.and drought resistant and can grow well and thrive in most soils when well established. Rubbing against the leaves can cause some itching. i would recommend this plant anyday anytime for its uniqueness, scarcity, potency and easy going nature.
fluted pumpkin leaves(ugu)
A tropical vine grown in west africa as a leaf vegetable and for its edible seeds. It is a drought tolerant perennial indigenous to southern Nigeria. THe leaves are usually used in soups but are also squeezed and juiced best taken raw. All parts of the plant are very rich in protein, betacarotene, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fibre and many more.
It is a great blood tonic due to its high protein content, works against anaemia, boosts the immune system, regulates and lowers blood sugar against diabetes and is a great antioxidant. You can get the seeds from the market, to be planted shallow, or the plants from a plant nursery. It should always have something for support, to climb on like a fence, net, sticks/poles.
Climbing malabar spinach(amunututu)
Another climbing vine green leaf vegetable found in and is native to tropical asia and africa. It is semi succulent with high water content and has a. very nice, mild flavour, similar to spinach. It grows very fast and it seems that the growth can be lnfinite depending on how far the soil and conditions will let it. sandy loam and lots of water is best, though it is also drought resistant. It can be grown very easily from seed and cuttings. Though it has its own unique qualities, like the other greens, it is very rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, fibre, you name it. It is a great antioxidant.and immune system booster. Maintains digestive system health, prevents constipation, builds and repairs tissue and muscles, removes kidney stones.and much more! It is also looks amazing when fully grown and spread out on your fence, trellis, rope or whatever you use as support.
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