Bitterleaf (Gymnanthemum amygdalinum)

Family: Asteraceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Gymnathemum amygdalinum or commonly known as Bitterleaf is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is much-branched and grows up to 10 m tall with trunk diameter of about 40 cm. It can be found in tropical Africa. Established plants are drought-tolerant. Young leafy shoots are edible, eaten as a potherb or added to soups.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, but forms exist that are nearly free of bitterness. — Young leafy shoots - cooked.; Eaten as a potherb or added to soups.; The leaves often have an intensely bitter flavour, but forms exist that are nearly free of bitterness.; The plant should be harvested by trimming off the ends of whole shoots.

Habitat & North American Range

Along rivers and lakes, in forest margins, woodland and grassland, at elevations up to 2,000 metres. Often found in disturbed localities such as abandoned farmland and in secondary woodland. (Zone 10)