Sierra Leone Bologi (Solanecio biafrae)

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

Sierra Leone Bologi, Solanecio biafrae, is a tropical climbing herb with succulent leaves, long leaf stalks, and creamy white flowers in rounded clusters. It is not tolerant to drought and grows up to 3 m long. A commercially cultivated vegetable in Western Africa, the leaves and young stems are cooked and eaten. Leaf infusion, on the other hand, is consumed as a drink. The leaves are also used as a substitute for tea.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves and young stems - cooked and used as a spinach. Succulent. They are usually cooked with pepper, tomato and onions - in such dishes there is no need for meat or fish because of the excellent properties of the vegetable. — Leaves and young stems - cooked and used as a spinach.; They are usually cooked with pepper, tomato and onions - in such dishes there is no need for meat or fish because of the excellent properties of the vegetable.; The leaves are mucilaginous and sometimes they are first steamed in boiling water and then squeezed to remove the mucilage from the leaves.; This squeezing is followed by 2 - 3 rinses with cold water to remove the mucilage as completely as possible.

Habitat & North American Range

An understorey climber in the rainforest, especially in secondary jungle, roadsides, waste places and disturbed land of hilly country. (Zone 10)