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Asteraceae FAMILY

Solanecio biafrae

Solanecio biafrae

Edibility
4/5
Medicinal
2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Cultivation Details

HabitPerennial Climber
Growth—

A plant of the moist, lowland tropics, found at elevations from sea level to around 1,300 metres[1]. It is found in areas where the average annual rainfall is about 1,500mm, often with a distinct dry season[1]. It strongly responds to water stress by developing shrivelled stems and yellowing of the leaves, and cannot survive under dry conditions[1]. Grows best in a well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter[2]. Prefers a position in light shade[2]. Crops are produced about 70 days after planting and continue for 1 year or more[2]. Plants can be harvested all year round if the flowering stems are removed[1]. Yields of 15 kilos per plant per annum are obtained[2]. The stems are very tender and break easily, even when handled with care[1]. Flowering shoots are removed in order to maximise leaf production[2]. There are several cultivars of superior quality[3].

Propagation

Seed - viability tends to be very poor, generally less than 2%. It should be sown in pervious humid soil under light shade. Germination takes several days[1]. Spontaneous seedlings are sometimes collected for transplanting[1]. Semi-ripe cuttings 10 - 15cm long with 4 - 6 nodes are used. It is recommended to remove the leaves and tops before planting[1]. Cuttings are planted straight into their permanent positions in moist well-drained soil rich in organic matter and always under a tree or shrub for shade and support[1]. Cuttings of mature shoots up to 25cm long[2]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Solanecio+biafrae>

Pollinators

Data unavailable

References

  1. [1]Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. — http://www.prota.org ↩︎An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
  2. [2]Vegetables in the Tropics — Tindall. H. D. · MacMillan, Oxford. · 1983 · ISBN 0-333-24268-8 ↩︎An excellent, in-depth look at the main vegetable crops that can be grown in the Tropics, plus many less well-known plants.
  3. [3]The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa. — Burkil. H. M. · Royal Botanic Gardens; Kew. · 1985 - 2004 ↩︎Brief descriptions and details of the uses of over 4,000 plants. A superb, if terse, resource, it is also available electronically on the Web - see http://www.aluka.org/