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Diola

Chamaecrista nigricansfam. Fabaceae
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edibleperennialdrought tolerantedibleedible leafnative africaperennial
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Chamaecrista nigricans (Diola) — botanical photograph
Pl. 06E7 — Chamaecrista nigricans
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Overview

Diola, scientifically known as Chamaecrista nigricans, is a perennial legume native to a wide range of regions including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and many other countries such as Chad, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. 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, making it adaptable to various climates and soil types. Diola is valued for its edible leaves, which can be used as a condiment in various dishes, adding a unique flavor to meals. Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil also makes it a useful plant for improving soil fertility. However, it should be noted that Diola has the potential to become a weed in some areas, particularly in regions where it has been introduced, such as the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia.

Quick answers

What is Diola?

Diola, scientifically known as Chamaecrista nigricans, is a perennial legume native to a wide range of regions including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and many other countries such as Chad, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.

Compare with:Acacia holosericea→Acacia mearnsii→Adenanthera pavonina→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

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 can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. The edible parts are the leaves, making this plant suitable for gardens where space and sunlight are abundant.
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. 1

    What you'll need

    A small pot, quality soil, seeds or young plants.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining mix suitable for outdoor planting. Ensure your pot has drainage holes.

  4. 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. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot to encourage growth.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun, regular watering, and occasional light fertilization. Prune lightly to maintain shape.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune young shoots for better branching and to control size. Remove any dead or damaged parts as needed.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:HairPest controlNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

29 native · 3 introduced
Distribution across2 continents· 29 native· 3 introduced
Asia3 regions
native (3)IndiaSaudi ArabiaYemen
Africa24 regions
native (24)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoCabo VerdeCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireEritreaEthiopiaGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaMaliMauritaniaNigerNigeriaSenegalSudanTanzaniaTogoUgandaZambia
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Zaïre
introduced:Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Chamaecrista nigricans (Diola) — botanical photograph
Diola (Chamaecrista nigricans)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

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