Diola
Chamaecrista nigricansfam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 06E7 — Chamaecrista nigricans
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IOverview
Overview
Diola, scientifically known as Chamaecrista nigricans, is a perennial legume native to regions including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is hardy in zones 10-12. Diola is valued for its edible leaves, making it a useful addition to gardens where space and sunlight are abundant. Its adaptability across various soil types and climates makes it a versatile plant in diverse landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Diola?
Diola, scientifically known as Chamaecrista nigricans, is a perennial legume native to regions including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Diola thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows as a perennial reaching up to 1.5 meters tall. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. Harvest the leaves for edible purposes.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Diola for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and sunny spot for your Diola plant.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot, quality soil, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining mix suitable for outdoor planting. Ensure your pot has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost, or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and then transplant.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot to encourage growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, regular watering, and occasional light fertilization. Prune lightly to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young shoots for better branching and to control size. Remove any dead or damaged parts as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:HairPest controlNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 29 native· 1 introduced
Asia3 regions
native (3)IndiaSaudi ArabiaYemen
Africa24 regions
native (24)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoCabo VerdeCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireEritreaEthiopiaGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaMaliMauritaniaNigerNigeriaSenegalSudanTanzaniaTogoUgandaZambia
Broader regions
native:Zaïre, Central African Repu
introduced:Queensland
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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