Bitterleaf 'Ndole'

DELICACY AND MEDICINAL POWER FROM AFRICA!
There is still much to discover about edible plants in many parts of the world, but certainly in Africa. I was made aware of this type by a customer and further study in my book "Prota Vegetables" led me to this summary:
The plant grows in Central Africa and is widely eaten from the wild or at home from a few plants that have been propagated from the wild. The leaf is more or less bitter and (partly because of this) very healthy. After sowing, you can select more and less bitter plants, which is also done in Africa, the less bitter ones are for the children to get used to it. In many countries, Bitterleaf is eaten as a vegetable, usually after a short stir-fry like spinach. In Cameroon, for example, there is a popular dish with meat and/or shrimp, garlic, onions, and peanuts: the dish is called NDOLÉ. Sometimes the leaves are also eaten raw, mixed with palm oil and salt. The young twigs of the plant are used as toothpicks. Its use in traditional medicine is very well known. All kinds of inflammations and infections are inhibited by the active substances. Chimpanzees even use them because they apparently realize that this has a healing effect. Enough reason to get started with this special plant, which, by the way, you should keep well frost-free in winter.

Names:
Latin: Vernonia amygdalina
Dutch: Bitterblad
Also known as: African Bitterleaf
English: Bitterleaf