Giant trichanthera (Trichanthera gigantea)

Family: Acanthaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Trichanthera gigantea is a deciduous Tree growing to 5 m (16ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bats, Birds, Ants, Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sprouts are eaten in maize porridge. This almost certainly refers to the young shoots, since it is very difficult to germinate the seed. — Sprouts are eaten in maize porridge.; This almost certainly refers to the young shoots, since it is very difficult to germinate the seed.

Habitat & North American Range

Streams and swampy areas and wet forests at low elevations. Along roadsides, in clearings, swampy areas, forests and thickets. (Zone 10)