Common Name: Fonio
Description
Digitaria exilis, with English common names white fonio, fonio millet, and hungry rice or acha rice, is a grass species. It is the most important of a diverse group of wild and domesticated Digitaria species known as fonio that are harvested in the savannas of West Africa. The grains are very small. It has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable use of the land. . . . .Read more
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Annuals
Plectranthus rotundifolius
Common Name: African Potato
Description
Plectranthus rotundifolius or Solenostemon rotundifolius, commonly known as native or country potato in Africa and called “Chinese potato” in India is a perennial herbaceous plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to tropical Africa. It is cultivated for its edible tubers primarily in West Africa, as well as more recently in parts of Asia, especially India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
P. rotundifolius is closely related to the coleus plants widely cultivated as ornamentals and is often classified as a member of the genus Solenostemon rather than Plectranthus. It was formerly placed in the now-defunct genus Coleus, most of whose members have now been re-assigned to the genus Solenostemon. . . . .Read more
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Corchorus olitorius
Common Name: Jute mallow
Description
Corchorus olitorius, commonly known as Nalta jute, tossa jute, Jew’s mallow, West African sorrel and bush okra, is a species of shrub in the family Malvaceae. It is the primary source of jute fibre. The leaves and young fruits are used as a vegetable, the dried leaves are used for tea and as a soup thickener, and the seeds are edible.
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Cucumis metuliferus
Common Name: Horned Melon
Description
Cucumis metuliferus, horned melon or kiwano, also African horned cucumber or melon, jelly melon, hedged gourd, melano, in the southeastern United States, blowfish fruit, is an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family, Cucurbitaceae. Its fruit has horn-like spines, hence the name “horned melon”. Ripe fruit has yellow-orange skin and lime green, jelly-like flesh with a tart taste, and texture similar to a cucumber. C. metuliferus is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is now grown in California, Mississippi, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. . . . .Read more
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