Bitterleaf
Gymnanthemum amygdalinum
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Pl. A8DC — Gymnanthemum amygdalinum
Gymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinumGymnanthemum amygdalinum
IOverview
Overview
Bitterleaf, scientifically known as Gymnanthemum amygdalinum, is a hardy shrub native to regions across Africa and South America, including Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, and more. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types such as light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Known for its edible leaves and shoots, Bitterleaf is a valuable resource in local cuisines. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 8 meters tall, standing out in the landscape with its robust form.
Quick answers
What is Bitterleaf?
Bitterleaf, scientifically known as Gymnanthemum amygdalinum, is a hardy shrub native to regions across Africa and South America, including Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, and more.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bitterleaf thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. This plant is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 8 meters tall. For propagation, it can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Leaves and shoots are edible parts of the plant.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
8.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bitterleaf for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Bitterleaf.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot or garden bed, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) textures.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors before transplanting.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Place in full sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water only when the soil is dry. Prune occasionally for shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune shoots and leaves as needed to maintain plant size and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:Fire starterFencingHedgerowPest controlErosion controlTeethLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Americas1 region
native (1)Bolivia
Africa22 regions
native (22)BeninBotswanaBurkina FasoCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireEritreaEswatiniEthiopiaGabonGuineaKenyaLiberiaMalawiMaliMozambiqueNamibiaNigeriaSierra LeoneSudanTanzaniaTogo
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Central African Repu, Congo, Northern Provinces
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · a8dc3eb4-1eb7-4efb-a81b-c78ee514b512
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