Recently On my way back from a friend’s place just behind Lagos state university, I happened to pass by a mini leafy vegetable plantation very close to the main road filled with lots of indigenous leafy vegetables and herbs in Nigeria. Luckily for me, I had my camera in the backpack I was carrying to document everything. When I approached the farmer to ask for permission to snap, he was quite surprised but more than willing to let me take pictures. In fact, he also helped out with the local names while I jotted down excitedly…lol!
I’ve come to realize, there are lots of plants that have been well-researched in Nigeria but due to the fact that most people do not know the local/foreign names, most of the information has been lost in translation. As they say, knowledge is power and since we learn every day I’ve decided to throw this post open to everyone out there. Please do shed more light on any herb/plant whose local and English names you know of. If you also know the uses, please add them. This is for research purposes and with your help, the indigenous nutritional / health benefits and uses would also be known. Below are some of the indigenous names of plants and some of their uses.
CLICK HERE FOR THE MEDICINAL BENEFITS & USES OF THESE PLANTS
List Of Leafy Vegetables
1. English Name: Fluted Pumpkin Leaves Local Name: Ugu (Igbo), kabewa (Hausa) Botanical Name: Telfairia Occidentalis Get It Here : Click to view vendor
Ugu is a leafy vegetable that is used in Nigeria for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It is rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folic acid which makes it highly nutritious. It is also a good source Of vitamins A, C and, k and lots of minerals. Researchers also found out that eating meals rich in fluted pumpkin leaves and seeds helps prevent Cancer, Improves blood count, Beats diabetes, and Reduces blood glucose & cholesterol levels. it’s Used for soups like Efo Riro, Ugu Juice and more. Click here to learn more about this vegetable
2. English Name: Jute leaves, saluyot leaves, Jews mallow Local Name: Ewedu (Yoruba), Rama Ayoyo (Hausa/Fulbe), Kerenkere (Igbo) Botanical Name: Corchorus
In the western part of Nigeria, it is used in the preparation of Ewedu soup. Once ground, it’s got a slimy consistency just like Okra. It’s a good source of fibre, low in calories but high in vitamins. In herbal medicine, it is used to control or prevent dysentery, worm infestation and constipation. Ayurveda (ancient Hindu system of healing) use the leaves for pain, piles, and tumours. Elsewhere, the leaves are used for cystitis, dysuria, fever, and gonorrhoea. The cold infusion is said to restore appetite and strength. Learn More about Ugu Leaves HERE
3. English Name: Bitter Leaf
Local Name: Onugbu (Igbo), Efo Ewuro (Yoruba), Shakwa shuwaka (Hausa), Etidot
(Cross River State of Nigeria)
Botanical Name: Vernonia amygdalina
As the name implies, the plant is actually bitter and is used in preparing the popular Nigerian bitter leaf soup. Most times, its sold already pre-washed in the Nigerian market. There are several species of bitter leaf-some large, leafy and deep green leaves, while some have comparatively smaller broader leaves. The bitterness is usually removed by boiling before the leaves are cooked as soups or added to soups made with other vegetables or eaten like spinach. it is rich in vitamins and minerals. In traditional Nigerian medicine, it is used to treat Fever, malaria, hepatitis, diarrhoea, dysentery, and cough. The leaves are also used as medicine for Stomach ache, Headache, Scabies, Gastrointestinal disorders. Bitter leaf also reduces the sugar level of the body drastically and repairs the pancreas and kidneys which makes it great for diabetic patients.
4. English Name: Eru "wild spinach" or African Jointfir Local Name: Afang leaves (Ibibio),Okazi/Ukazi (Igbo) Botanical Name: Gnetum Africanum
5. English Name: False cubeb leaves (The seeds from the plant is known as mkpuru uziza
(uziza seeds) )
Local Name: Uziza leaves/ Ashanti pepper leaves/ Benin pepper leaves/ Guinea cubeb leaves
Botanical Name: Piper guineense
In the local Nigerian market, it is known as hot leaves. it’s peppery and is usually used in small quantities to add flavour and a very nice aroma to soups like Ofe nsala, Vegetable soups and sometimes Egusi soup. It is rich in anti-oxidants and has preservative properties.
6. English Name: Bushbuck Local Name: Utazi (Igbo), ‘arokeke’(Yoruba) Botanical Name: Gongronema latifolium
Utazi leaves is very Sharp-bitter and sweet and is used in small quantity in preparing soups like Nsala soup, Ugba Sauce, Yam and also in garnishing dishes like Abacha Ncha, Isi ewu, Nkwobi e.t.c. It is also used locally in the treatment of cough, intestinal worms, dysentery, dyspepsia and malaria. It is also taken as a tonic to treat loss of appetite and also In the treatment of diabetes and high blood pressure.
7. English Name: Clove Basil Local Name: Nchuawun(Igbo), Efirin(Yoruba), Daidoya (Hausa), Ntong(efik), Aramogbo (Edo) Botanical Name: Ocimum gratissimum
Scent leaves is used in the preparation of foods such as pepper soup, Ofe Akwu, Yam porridge, Vegetable soups e.t.c and as the name implies, it gives a wonderful aroma to the meals it’s prepared with. In traditional medicine, it is used to lower blood pressure as well as reduce blood sugar level. it is used in the treatment of piles. it is said to be useful in the medication for people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome virus AIDS, In Congo, a scent leaf decoction is used for diarrhoea, gonorrhoea infection, vaginal douches for vaginitis and used in the treatment of mental illness. In Nigeria, it is used as a strong mosquito repellent as well as other insects. Click Here For More
8. English Name: Curry leaf "sweet neem leaves", Lemon Basil Local Name: Efirin Oso(Yoruba), Marugbo sanyan(Yoruba) Botanical Name: Murraya koenigii
In Nigerian meal preparation, it is added to stews, meats, and fish to add flavor to the dishes. Its got small pinnate leaves which are highly aromatic. Other uses include it being used as a good remedy for nausea and indigestion, The leaves are chewed to lose weight, it is known to improve eyesight and also prevent cataracts, it is used to improve hair color. Click Here For More
9. English Name: Waterleaf Local Name: Gbure (Yoruba) Botanical Name: Talinum Triangulare
Water leaves are used in the preparation of soups such as Efo riro, Edikaikong, vegetable yam e.t.c. It’s mostly abundant during the rainy season and once added to soups, it tends to increase the volume of water/ liquid in it hence the name “Water leaves”. According to scientific studies, it is said to be rich in mineral salts and amino-acids as well as having anti-scorbutic properties i.e prevention against the scurvy disease.
10. English Name: Lagos Spinach, plumed cockscomb, quail grass, silver cock’s comb (En);
célosie, célosie argentée, crête de coq (Fr); borlón, cresta de gallo
Local Name: Shoko yokoto
Botanical Name: Celosia Argentia
Shoko yokoto is a leafy vegetable mainly popular in the western part of Nigeria. it is also the main leaf used in the preparation of efo riro, a popular vegetable soup. Sometimes, the leaves are crested with Purplish/Red discolourations in the middle. It is rich in Beta- Carotene, Folic Acid, Ascorbic acid, Calcium, Iron, Protein.
11. English Name: African spinach, "Green"
Local Name: Inine (Igbo), Efo Tete (Yoruba), tete eleegun(yoruba), allayahu (Hausa)
Botanical Name: Amaranthus Hybridus
Known as “Green” in the local market due to its colour, this leafy vegetable is the second most popular leafy vegetable after Ugu. it’s used in the preparation of various Nigerian dishes.
12. English Name: African eggplant leaf (Garden egg leaf), Gboma Local Name: Akwukwo Anara (Igbo), Efo Igbo(Yoruba), Ganyen gauta (Hausa) Botanical Name: Solanium marcrocarpon
Garden Egg leaves are used in the preparation of vegetable stews and yam dishes by some people. The leaves have a very bitter taste. Indigenous leafy vegetables and herbs Nigeria
Update: Aside from the fruit, every other part of S. macrocarpon has been reported to cause heart failure, digestive problems, and lethargy in dogs. Because S. macrocarpon is part of the Solanaceae family, it contains alkaloids, giving the plant and fruit its bitter taste. Consuming the plant in large frequencies may potentially be poisonous.S. macrocarpon contains glycoalkaloids and the levels found in the fruit were 5-10 times higher than what is considered safe, and may not be safe for humans to eat. Source
13. English Name: Moringa leaves Local Name: Igbo: "Odudu oyibo","Okwe oyibo", "Okwe olu", "Uhe", "Oku-ghara-ite" Yoruba: ("igi iyanu","malero", "Ewele", "Ewé ilé", "Ewe igbálé", Idagbo monoyé ) Hausa: Zogale Botanical name: Moringa olefera
14. English Name: -
Local Name: Oha /Ora leaves
Botanical Name: Pterocarpus mildbraedii
Oha leaf is really popular in the eastern part of Nigeria. it’s the major ingredient in the preparation of the famous Oha/ Ora soup. It is an uncommon leafy vegetable which is not a climbing plant like ugu instead, it is rather a kind of leafy tree called Oha tree! The tree can grow from 1 year to up to 100 years and from a small foot to tower up to 200 feet or more. It bears no fruits or seeds compared with other leafy vegetables. All the young shoots of the leaves are eatable. It starts to yield or to produce eatable leaves from one year. As it grows and towers in height, people always employ climbers to climb and pluck the leaves for sale and for home consumption.
15. English Name: Mint leaves Scientifically known as Mentha Local Name: Na'a Naa (arabic)
Mint leaf is an aromatic herb which is mostly used to make things like breath fresheners i.e peppermint,Juice, Smoothie, Ice Cream , Popsicle. It’s NOT the same as scent leaf (Efinrin/ Nchuawun). In the local market especially with the Hausa vendors, mint is known as ” Na’a naa “.
16. English Name: Spring onions, Scallion Local Name: Alubosa elewe (yoruba), Lawashi / Ganyen Albasa(Hausa)
A scallion is one of the various Allium species, all of which have hollow green leaves (like the common onion), but which lack a fully developed root bulb. It has a relatively mild onion flavour and is used as a vegetable, either raw or cooked. Many other names are used, including green onion, spring onion, salad onion, table onion, green shallot, onion stick, long onion, baby onion, precious onion, yard onion, gibbon, syboe or scally onion.
17. English Name: Roselle or Sorrel Local Name: Yakwa leaves
sorrel leaf
This leaf is really popular with the Hausas and is used in the preparation of Miyan Taushe.
Yakwa is called roselle or sorrel in English. They come in two flowering varieties, the red and white. The red flowers are used to make our popular zobo drink. The white flowers are sour and used to make soups in some part of the country. The yakwa leaves themselves are used to make different kinds of soup including groundnut soup…
18: English Name: English spinach, Indian Malabar spinach Botanical Name: Basella alba; the red type is Basella Rubra Local Name: Amunututu (Yoruba), Gborongi (Igbo)
19: English Name: English bush apple leaves Botanical name: Heinsia crinita Local Name: Atama leaves / Beletientien
This is an annual Herb cultivated in the delta areas. It smells and taste like tarragon; usually used fresh or dried in the preparation of Banga soup.
20. English Name: Soursop Leaf Botanical Name: Local Name:
You can learn more about the amazing benefits of Soursop leaf HERE or how to make soursop tea HERE
21. English Name: Botanical Name: Local Name: Ebolo
22. English Name: Neem Leaf Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica Local Name: Dongoyaro
“Dongoyaro” is a term used in some regions, particularly in Nigeria, to refer to the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica). The Neem tree is a large evergreen tree that belongs to the mahogany family (Meliaceae) and is native to the Indian subcontinent. It has been widely cultivated and naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world.Click Here To Learn More
23. English Name: Broad Leaf Thyme, Cuban Oregano, Spanish Oregano, Spanish thyme, Poor man’s pork, Indian Borage, Country borage, Pudina, French thyme, Indian mint, Mexican mint, Soup mint Botanical Name: (Coleus amboinicus, synonym Plectranthus amboinicus benth) Local Name:
Broad Leaf Thyme(Coleus amboinicus, synonym Plectranthus amboinicus benth) also known as Cuban Oregano, Spanish Oregano, Spanish thyme, Poor man’s pork, Indian Borage, Country borage, Pudina, French thyme, Indian mint, Mexican mint, Soup mint, is a sprawling large herb that is fleshy and highly aromatic with an agreeable and refreshing oregano-like flavor. It is native to Southern and Eastern Africa, from South Africa to Angola and Mozambique, and north to Kenya and Tanzania, where it grows in woodland or coastal bush, on rocky slopes and loamy or sandy flats at low elevations. Click Here To Learn More
24. English Name: Magenta Plant
Botanical Name: Peristrophe roxburghiana
Local Name:
Peristrophe roxburghiana, commonly known as the Magenta Plant, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. The plant is known for its striking magenta-colored flowers, which give it its common name. In traditional medicine, it is believed to have various health benefits. It is often used to prepare tonics, infusions, or extracts for conditions such as digestive disorders, respiratory issues, fever, and inflammation. It is also used as a general health tonic and to support overall well-being. Click Here for More
25. English Name: Lemon grass Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus Local Name:
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical herb that is widely cultivated and used for culinary, medicinal, and aromatic purposes. It is known for its strong and pleasant lemony fragrance, which makes it a popular ingredient in various cuisines and herbal preparations. Lemongrass belongs to the grass family (Poaceae) and is native to regions such as Southeast Asia, India, and Africa. Click Here For More
25. English Name: "Miracle Leaf Plant" Botanical Name: Kalanchoe pinnata Local Name:
One plant that is often referred to as the “Miracle Leaf” is the “Miracle Leaf of Life” or “Miracle Leaf Plant” (Kalanchoe pinnata). It is also known by various other names, such as “Life Plant,” “Wonder of the World,” and “Cathedral Bells.” This succulent plant is native to Madagascar but has spread to various tropical and subtropical regions around the world. believed to have exceptional health benefits or healing properties. However, it’s important to note that this term can be used in a sensational or marketing-driven manner, and the actual effects of these plants may vary based on scientific research and traditional use. Click Here To Learn More
25. English Name: Aloe vera Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis miller Local Name:
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is a succulent plant known for its gel-filled leaves, which have been used for centuries for various medicinal and cosmetic purposes. It is native to arid regions and is now cultivated worldwide for its valuable gel and potential health benefits. Click Here To Learn More
25. English Name: Blue Porterweed Botanical Name: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Local Name:
Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) is a flowering plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is native to tropical regions, including parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Blue Porterweed is known for its vibrant blue to purple flowers and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is also recognized for its traditional medicinal uses in various cultures. Click Here For More
25. English Name: Thai Basil Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora Local Name:
Thai Basil, also known as Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora or Asian basil, is a type of basil with a distinctive flavor and aroma commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisines, particularly in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and shares some similarities with the more common Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum), but it has its own unique taste and appearance. Click Here For More
25. English Name: Sweet Basil Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum Local Name:
Sweet Basil, also known simply as basil or Ocimum basilicum, is a popular culinary herb with a sweet and aromatic flavor. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to regions in Asia and Africa. Apart from its culinary applications, sweet basil also has some traditional medicinal uses. It has been used in herbal remedies for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Click here to learn more
25. English Name: Sage Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis Local Name:
Sage, scientifically known as Salvia officinalis, is a perennial herb with a long history of culinary and medicinal uses. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to the Mediterranean region. Sage has gray-green leaves that are slightly fuzzy and emit a strong, earthy aroma when crushed. Click Here To Learn More
25. English Name: Rosemary Botanical Name:Rosmarinus officinalis Local Name:
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant, evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which also includes other well-known herbs like mint, basil, and oregano. Rosemary has been valued for centuries for its culinary, medicinal, and aromatic properties. The name “Rosemary” is derived from the Latin words “ros” (dew) and “marinus” (sea), which together mean “dew of the sea,” reflecting its natural habitat near the Mediterranean coast. Click Here To Learn More
25. English Name: Alfalfa Botanical Name: (Medicago sativa) Local Name:
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a flowering plant belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is a highly versatile and widely cultivated plant that is primarily grown as a forage crop for livestock and as a cover crop to improve soil fertility. However, Alfalfa also has various other uses and is valued for its nutritional content and potential health benefits.– Click Here To Learn More
More indigenous leafy vegetables and herbs in Nigeria coming soon….
. English Name: Bay Leaf Botanical Name: Local Name:
. English Name: Parsley Local Name: Lansil (Hausa)
. English Name: Celery Local Name:
. English Name: Fenugreek (a.k.a Methi) Botanical Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum Local Name: Fenugreek is not an indigenous leafy vegetable or herb in Nigeria therefore ther e's no local name yet
. English Name: Cocoyam Leaf Botanical Name: Local Name:
. English Name: Leek Botanical Name: Local Name:
. English Name:
Botanical Name:
Local Name: Editan Leaf
. English Name:
Botanical Name:
Local Name: Cassava leaf
. English Name: Dandelion
Botanical Name: Taraxacum Officinale
Local Name: Yanrin "Yoruba"
. English Name:
Botanical Name: (Found in the Solanum /Nightshade family)
Local Name: Odu (Yoruba)
Could be mistaken for pepper plants.
. English Name: Sweet potato leaves
Botanical Name:
Local Name:
Especially the red variety is also very tasty either eaten in salads or cooked –
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215 comments
Nice post. I use Pumpkin leaves when my children are anemic as a natural blood tonic. I boil the leaves for some time with water then squeeze the juice and mix the juice with any malt drink. It works faster than folic acid in improving blood levels especially since my kids don’t like taking drugs.
Finally a complied list, i love basil leaves….and i drink Utazi juice once in a while* it's soooo bitter but good*
The Beautiful Eagle's Blog
Nice work sis, except that the one labelled bitter leaf doesn't look like it. Instead, the 2nd of the pics labelled African spinach or green looks more like it. Perhaps a mistake?…
You are so right Anon! Sorry for the mixup. The picture in Number 3 isn't Bitter leaf instead, the second picture by the right in Number 11 is bitter leaf. Thanks for the correction Anon. Would Edit it as soon as possible 🙂 .
Seriously? Do you drink it like that or do you mix it with something?
I remember my mum used to do that back in the day. You've just given me an idea for a new post. Thanks lara
Nice work, thanks for the compendium. In the search for Mint, I discovered in my Dictionary of Modern Yoruba (1958) that Efinrin is known as Ocimum Viride – all the herbs, leaves and other flora & fauna are listed yoruba name/latin name.
It has been Updated.
Good job
Well done!
http://www.janylbenylshares.com
Thanks prima. Checked it out on the web and the plant (Ocimum Viride) is not Efinrin. There was probably a mix-up somewhere in the book.
Thanks Janyl 🙂
Luv ur blog dear. Jst saw t online n m addicted already. 9z ryt up.
Elsie
Good job with the local names but just want to point out that bitter leaf in hausa is not shakwa but shuwaka.
Yup, My mum would make me drink it with a cane beside her when i was a child, now that i'm grown i drink it when i please……lol
The Beautiful Eagle's Blog
Interesting compilation of some of our local herbs and veggies. More research needs to be done to determine the economic advantages of these leaves. Great job, Dobby.
Nice Job Dobby. Good to know we have these varieties available in Naija, i'm yet to try on some in my dishes.
http://www.nitiescreation.blogspot.com
Thanks elsie. Hope you'd stay in touch 🙂
Thanks for the correction anon :)……… #Edited #Done! 😉
Seconded!!! I guess lots of research has been done already. The problem is the availability of the results as they are mostly found in journals…..you know how it is with our reading culture :D, journals scare the hell outta most people….lol!
Thanks nitie 🙂
LMAO @ the cane part, can perfectly relate to that..lol! Would try it Out soon.
Scallions is called ewe alubosa (onion leaves) in Yoruba
Thanks Anon 🙂
Hi Dobby, I need clarification on if our Nigerian Scent leave is same as the Thai Basil used in making Thai curry paste.
Hello Anon! Thai Basil and Nigerian scent leaves are slightly similar but different.
Hello,
Kindly furnish with English and Botanical name of "Efo Osun".
This Vegetable is popular in Oke Ogun areas of Oyo State, especially Saki and environs.
It has bitter taste like Bitter leaves.
Thanks.
Hello please, I have the pain of finding mint leave in nigeria but since I don't know the local name, I don't even know where or how to look. I need to used it for some organic herbal drinks pls help me find out the local name for mint leave. Thanks for the neem…curry leave, I was at a loss wit that too
Mint leave is known as Na' a na'a by the northerners. You could get it at shoprite or click HERE to get it from the local market
Stumbled on your blog while trying to verify the English name for 'Efirinrin' good job compliling this list.
Genevieve
http://www.vievebutterfly.blogspot.com
Thanks Vieve :). Glad you found it useful.
How can you get the seeds out side of Nigeria?
Love you post!
sorry what you have entered as vernonia amygdalina is rather ocimum gratissimum
No it's not. That is Bitter leaf (vernonia amygdalina)
i could link you to a supplier if interested. please e-mail me at dobbyssignature@gmail.com
where can one get mint leaves to buy in lagos?
Shoprite is a good place to start or Call Alhaji Sanni <08023774890> & Alhaji ibrahim <08140377381> to get from the local market if you stay in lagos
Thank you
Great blog. Well done
Thank you for this,although I didn't get what i want to know.I want to know the English name for oha leave.
you are welcome 🙂
thank you niffyt 🙂
Hi Judith,
Currently, the english name for Oha leaves is still pending. Hopefully, someone would help us with it soon 🙂
Pls I will like u to throw more light on different between saint leaf and Mint leaf cos someone told me they are same but by ur post now I found out they are 2 different leaves altogether…..Waiting for ur reply….Thanks
The Nigerian Market is filled with products like tooth paste, chewing gum, breath fresheners, candy(i.e peppermint) and inhalers which have mint as their base element. Scent leaf on the other hand is used in Nigeria for mostly soups/stews and is very different from mint leaf. Mint leaf is not indigenous to Nigeria but scent leaf is.
Pretty awesome read! I am from the US and will try to see what I can do to grow some of these leafy greens!
Do keep us posted on how it goes.
Nice work dear. Please where can I get mint leave in kaduna? I need it like seriously. Thanks soo in love with this site
Where can I get mint leaf in port harcourt
Very informative.kudos
Thanks for this information. I have been looking for mint leave and moringa leaves. I just called Alhaji and will get it this afternoon
It's A very nice post
If you have friends with diabetes, prediabetes or insulin resistance, who really need to get the
treatments of diabetes
what is mint leaf called in yoruba and where can i get it?
For your mint leave powder, fenugreek powder, Coffee powder, Cinnamon powder, mango butter etc
Please contact sheamapo (badeji01@yahoo.com )
This website has been very helpful. Good job.
Can you possibly find out what Dill (Anethum graveolens) is called in Nigeria?
And….as an addition –Spring Onions is called "Ganyen Albasa" in Hausa laguage
Pls what's d local name for horseradish….and where can i get it…..as 4 d mint leave since i can't get it…..i go 4 scent leave
I want to buy horseradish..where can i get it.i stay in lag
Pls what is the yoruba name for horseradish and where can i get it.i stay in Lagos
Nice work Well done
Horseradish is moringa stem you can get it from those who sell local herbs in the market. Goodluck
The local name for horseradish is moringa. …and you can get it anywhere in the local market.
Horse radish moringa stem ke! It is a lie o! Moringa stem is very different from horse radish.
In years to come we may be looking back on today's approach to cancer treatment and wonder why so many with the disease could be allowed to suffer unnecessarily when the solution has been staring us in the face: The key to cancer prevention/reversal can be found from studies on isolated indigenous peoples from different cultures all over the world. This has been documented over the last 80 odd years.
Pls watz d local name for horseradish and wia can it b bought?
Yakwa is called roselle or sorrel in English. The come in two flowering varieties, the red and white. The red flowers are used to make our popular zobo drink. The white flowers are sour and used to make soups in some part of the country. The yakwa leaves themselves are used to make different kinds of soup including groundnut soup.
Thanks for the contribution True elegance Boutique 🙂
Hi Dobby, PLS what is the local name 4 horseradish leaf and where can one buy it? Someone said it's the same as Moringa but I doubt they are the same. Pls reply.
Hi Anon, horse radish is not the same as moringa. Please click on the "Where to get foreign fruits and vegetables in Nigeria" link above to get it.
Thank you very much for your informative post. Also trying to find out the English name for oha. I am trying to grow this sweet sought after leaf in the usa. Please update on certain you find out. Thanks again for the great work.
Hi Dobby.. pls where can I get horsedish from in Abuja?
Okay, would look into it.
This is a good job well done.
Can u please help me with the English name of Orima which igbo and calabar women mostly use in pepper soup. Thank you
Hi Dobby, thank you for this useful information, pls what is the yoruba name for parley?
Check out Pterocarpus soyauxii
parsley is not an indigenous Nigerian herb
Hi Aisha, do you mean Ulima seed (Atariko) a.k.a Alligator pepper in English ?
Hello Dobby,
Thank you for your posts? I learn something new every time I come here. Have a question, do you know where I can get cloves (kanafuri) in the Lekki area or Lagos in general. I am also looking for a one stop shop to get leafy veggies around the Lekki area. Thanks much.
Where can I Ger mint leaf in Ph…urgent pls
Nice post.Quite educative
Hello Dobby, thanks for ur posts, it really helped me out, I have been looking for where to get mint leave in Abuja, pls can u help me out? Reply me pls.
Thanks for the educative post. Place can you help me out with the native name of Parsley leave. I've been searching for a long time now
Pls who can help me out with the Yoruba name of parsley pls
Pls what is parsley leave called in Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo language, pls I need it asap
Hi Dobby, Thanks for this. Can I have directions to the farm please? I would like to pick up some of these. Any update on the local name for mint?
Where can i get fresh Zobo leave in Lagos Nigeria?
Where can one get fresh ZOBO leave in NIGERIA especially Lagos?
What's the nigerian name for parsley , where can I get it please hook me up a supplier… thanks
mint is Nanaa
Fresh Zobo leave is "Yakwa" in the local market. They sell it everywhere.
Fresh Zobo leave is "Yakwa" in the local market. They sell it everywhere.
Number 18 is called "gborongi" in igbo
Spring onion is lawashi in hausa
I think No. 15, "mentha", is "spearmint" in English.
Hmm so no hope of getting here in Delta den. Mint leaf,lemon and cucumber works great for tummy fat blast.
Thanks for the contribution Anon. Would Update it now.
Thanks for the contribution Anon. Would Update it now.
Nice job but ur picture of atama leave in Picture 19,is not it at all, no one will recognize it by that picture. pls kindly put a better picture of it. thank u
Where can one have access to zobo ingredient in Nigeria .
More local markets have it Kamoru. It's very common.
Okay Tina, will change it.
What is the local name of parsley vegetables pls?
U
Please where at the back of Lagos state university did u find mint leaf I've an assignment on leaves pls help
Please where at the back of Lagos state university did u find mint leaf I've an assignment on leaves pls help
Please where at the back of Lagos state university did u find mint leaf I've an assignment on leaves pls help
You could take a bus going to Iba Estate. You'd see the vegetable plantation along the way on both sides of the road.
I love ur blog. Pls what's d local name for parsley leaf?
Love this compilation Dobby! I find myself coming back to it from time to time.
Just to add a few more hausa names.
1. pumpkin – kabewa
11. african spinach – allayahu
12. African Eggplant (ganyen gauta)
Thanks alot for the contribution Ummibee. Would Update ASAP
what it toothpick called in yoruba language?
please i need yoruba name for cayenne peper
The 2nd picture is called kerenkere in igbo
shombo
Thank you chidimma. Would update Asap.
parsley is lansil in hausa
Thanks Dobby.very nice post. But there's a leafy vegetable I've not seen u post here and I'm looking for its botanical name. It's called editan in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Can u help out?
Great Job Dobby. I applaud the time and effort you have put in to this process. I definitely gained a lot from reading through this post. I was just wondering if there is a way to physically differentiate between Mint and clove Basil since they can easily be confused?
Thanks Lady Tee.
Hi lady tee. Glad to have you here. The major differences between scent leaf and mint leaf are the edges. Mint leaf has a serrated edge like a saw on the outline while scent leaf has a curved wavy edge on the outline.
Hi Unknown, Would look into it and update this page.
Moringa oleifera
[Synonyms : Guilandina moringa, Hyperanthera arborea, Hyperanthera decandra, Hyperanthera moringa, Moringa erecta, Moringa moringa, Moringa octogona, Moringa parvifolia, Moringa polygona, Moringa pterygosperma, Moringa zeylanica]
HORSERADISH TREE is a deciduous succulent tree.
Great job Dobby .pls whats the local names for high john the conqueror roots
Hi Dobby, please where can I get horseradish in lagos…many thanks
Nice work here, please what is LEGEDE in English, it is not part of your list though. it is a crawling vegetable plants. EBOLO and LEGEDE are my interest. Thank you
Pls wot is d local name for horseradish
Good afternoon Dobby. Very insightful post. I am interested in knowing the local name (igbo)name for fenugreek. Thank you in advance.
i am just seeing this post after such a long time. It is a great compilation that makes me to be proud to be a Nigerian, rich in every true sense of it. God has blessed us with nature and creative people and co as Dobby.
Selbut
whats the igbo name for bay leaf
Nice article there. Just to point out that the Igbo name for garden egg leaf is Akwukwo Anara. The 'n' in anara would have a '~' sign on it. The word is pronounced as in 'anulika'(the name).
Hi Dobby great list will be immensely useful. Ewedu is also called Jews mallow in English. What about cassava leaf? It doesn't seem to have made your list.
Thanks for the contribution Emeka.
Thank you unknown.
Thanks for the contribution Lobuhle. Would update this as soon as possible.
Please horseradish is simply the popular moringa that we all know. it is also called DRUMSTICK
It's not an indigenous plant hence no local name for now.
Horseradish isn't drumstick Aliyu. Drumstick is a green finger like fruit from moringa tree. Horseradish is a root vegetable.
great concept carry on
Thanks kenny.
The preparation of the soil is that the next step in constructing a vegetable patch. over the soil kind, the fertility and well-drained soil are a lot of necessary to seem for. additionally, they ought to be free from stones, and wetness retentive .
Thanks
Indian name is Aakada Leaves. I don't no American name and how it's look like. It's good for Diabetic. Anybody can help me what is call and where can I find in USA.?
Nice 1
The local name for oha is incorrect, its Pterocarpus soyauxii. Working on it and I took it to a botanist
Hello T, Pterocarpus soyauxii is an incorrect name for Oha. Do compare both thoroughly and let me know what you think.
fenugreek is hulba in hausa.
DobbY is the best
DobbY, U just the best.
Hi sis pls what is coriander called in Yoruba or Igbo language
Thank you Topaz 🙂
Cassava leaves is ganyen rogo and cocoyam leaves is ganyen Gwaza in hausa
Thanks for the addition Anon.
Thanks Dobby you have made it a lot easier, nice job.
Glad you found it useful 🙂
please which of these leaves can be used in treating erectile dysfunction and increasing blood presure.
Nice blog. Very educative Thanks a lot for this. Please do you have any information on Ebolo vegetable. Its used to cook egusi soup among the Yorubas but its not so common now. And how is it planted, how can one get the seeds?
Nice blog. Very educative Thanks a lot for this. Please do you have any information on Ebolo vegetable. Its used to cook egusi soup among the Yorubas but its not so common now. And how is it planted, how can one get the seeds?
Hello Debby thank for the painstaking effort.
I am looking for the igbo name of 'Bay Leaf' Its uses for food and medicine and how to identify it.
Thanks for the work job
Pls am in need of kelp leaf, where can I get it.
Hi Ihechi. Bay leaf is not an indigenous Nigerian vegetable so there's currently no name for it in igbo (For now).
Would look into it Jne.
hi dobby, You are wrong, thats not the botanical name for ora/oha leaf. Please check and correct it
Thanks for bringing my attention to that Chris. It has been edited.
Pls, where can I get mint leaves in Abeokuta?
My pleasure.
Hello Dobby!
I am new to most these, but it is interesting eye opener to me. keep it up.
and do you have any remedy for Irritable bowel syndrome?
God Bless
hello dobby pls what is coriander leaves called in yoruba language. tx
Hi, good work here. I would just like to add a few vegetables to your list.
Dandelion (taraxacum officinale) ,local name yanrin in Yoruba
Odu is another vegetable in the solanum /nightshade family. Could be mistaken for pepper plants.
Sweet potato leaves especially the red variety is also very tasty either eaten in salads or cooked
Hi Omar! i'm afraid i'm not an expert on that subject – For now 🙂
It's not indigenous to Nigeria.
Thanks for the addition Opeyemi 🙂
Hello Chinedu, kananfari is not scares. Enter the market, ask those Hausa men that sell garlic, ginger & co. They will give it to yu.
Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that
would be okay. I'm undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look
forward to new updates.
Hi Anon! Yes you can get updates on twitter @dobbyssignature
Hello, I read your blog on a regular basis. Your writing style is witty, keesp it up!
Thanks anon.
Hi plz what the Nigeria name of beetroot
I was able to find good information from your blog posts.
Dear Dobby, I saw in your of Mint leaves leveled as "Na'a Na'a" in Hausa. Sorry, but mint leaves are not Na'a Na'a in Hausa, rather Na'a Na'a is a Basil plant family. Just the Native basil leaves called "Doddoya" in Hausa. The two (Na'a Na'a and Doddoya) are of the same specie. Please help me further
Simply beetroot. It's not indigenous to Nigeria
Thanks for the insight. Would look into it.
Thanks for the feedback.
Great article.
Very nice article, just what I was looking for.
Hi dobby I admire what you're doing,there this local soup I like so much but don't seem to know its name and nutritional benefits so I thought why not check online who knows I could be lucky going through your blog gave me hope so am gonna snap the leaves both on the plant and on ground for you and your 'friends' help thanks
Keep on working, great job!
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I'm trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or
if it's the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I'll definitely
digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am confident they'll be benefited from this website.
Please how else can u cook the ewedu leaves asides d ewedu soup style??
Glad you like.
Okay, Waiting.
Thanks.
Thanks Anon!
You should clear your cache or internet browser log
I guess ewedu soup is the only way for now.
Yay google is my king assisted me to find this outstanding internet site!
Pls what is the English name for Ewa leaf(nkanu people use in cooking soup)
Hello, I enjoy reading all of your article post.
I like to write a little comment to support you.
Some really rattling work on behalf of the owner of this site, absolutely outstanding content.
Saved as a favorite, I really like your site!
We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a brand new
scheme in our community. Your website provided us with helpful information to
work on. You have performed an impressive job and our entire group will likely be
grateful to you.
Good day Dobby!!!
Hope Good?
Please could you assist with the local name for rosemary leaves. Also is Amla leaves cultivated in nigeria and where can i get it?
I appreciate.
I'd like to find out more? I'd love to find out some additional information.
Thanks very nice blog!
Fantastic post.Never knew this, thanks for letting me
know.
hello Dobby,
Very helpful writeup. please where can i get mint leaf in the lekki area of Lagos?
Nice post Dobby….Am actually interested in the Mint oil….where can it be source from in Nigeria
This Table that you shook
It's not indigenous to Nigeria although few farms not cultivate the herbs hence no local names.
Pls is pasley leaves ayoyo in hausa?..
Please What’s Betel Leaf called in Igbo language ?
Hi dobby,I think you should check this page out cus I have a feeling that the blogger used your article on her blog as hers.”APRIL SEVEN: Some Leafy Vegetables and Herbs Found in Nigeria and Their Uses” aprilseventheblog.blogspot.co/2015/08/some-leafy-vegetables-and-herbs-found.html
Hey please I want to plant some of this herbs. I want want to know where I can get the mint stem(for planting) and some of this seeds.
wow good one thanks. got what I wanted – difference between Efo shoko and Efo tete. Made sense.
Hi Dobby, nice one here. But I did my little research on your said curry”Neem sweet” leaf to find out that curry leaf is a whole different thing.
So I Google searched the image.
No. 8 is LEMON BASIL (Ocimum africanum)
Pls confirm too and make adjustments, thanks.
What is Job’s tears seeds In Yoruba language
I love this. Thanks . I came across
Your blog while in search for the English name for Efo tete. I only knew it as Efo. Very helpful.
Hello Dobby, this is very kind of you. I’m lucky to have found this. Please can I get the contact of where this farm or vegetation is or the contact person.