Flowers of G. bicolor

Flowers of G. bicolor

Common Names
Velvet plant, redflower ragleaf, fireweed (En); ebolo (Fr); ginura (Sp); 紅鳳菜, 紫背天葵 (Cn)

Plant Distribution
Southeast Asia, South Pacific, tropical Africa

Edible Parts
Succulent, tender leaves and shoots are eaten boiled or stir-fried, or added to stews and soups.

Health Values
Beta-carotene: medium in tender leaves; vitamin E: low; riboflavin: low; ascorbic acid: low; calcium: medium; iron: extremely high; protein: 1.5-2.0%. Leaves are rich in mucilage and flavonoids.

Read more: Velvet plant, in Discovering Indigenous Treasures: Promising Indigenous Vegetables from Around the World. 2009. AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center.