Crassocephalum crepidioides

Crassocephalum crepidioides
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Genus:	Crassocephalum
Species:	C. crepidioides
Binomial name
Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) S.Moore 1912
Synonyms
Gynura crepidioides Benth. 1849 Crassocephalum diversifolium Hiern Gynura diversifolia Sch.Bip. ex Asch. Gynura microcephala Vatke Gynura polycephala Benth. Senecio crepidioides Asch. Senecio diversifolius A.Rich. 1848 not Dumort. 1827

Crassocephalum crepidioides seeds

Crassocephalum crepidioides, also called ebolo, thickhead, redflower ragleaf, or fireweed, is an erect annual slightly succulent herb growing up to 180 cm tall. Its use is widespread in many tropical and subtropical regions, but is especially prominent in tropical Africa. Its fleshy, mucilaginous leaves and stems are eaten as a vegetable, and many parts of the plant have medical uses. However, the safety of internal use needs further research due to the presence of plant toxins.

Ecology

The species is invasive in New Caledonia.

Toxicity

Crassocephalum crepidioides contains the hepatotoxic and tumorigenic pyrrolizidine alkaloid, jacobine. However, in another study, it is shown that the antitumor activity and macrophage nitric oxide produce action.

Media related to Crassocephalum crepidioides at Wikimedia Commons