Eggplant
Gboma or Gbogname

A West African eggplant cousin with nutritious edible leaves, grown as an annual, with edible leaves, stems, and flowers.

About Gboma or Gbogname

(Solanum macrocarpon). A cousin of the eggplant but with densely nutritious edible leaves, this variety hails originally from West Africa. Like any other eggplant, this tropical perennial can also be grown as an annual, reaching 2 to 4 feet tall and about as wide. A gorgeous edible ornamental, the small leaves and stems, as well as flowers, are edible when cooked (best blanched and then sautéed) in a fashion similar to collard greens. It is a popular green throughout West, Central and East Africa and in Vietnam as well. The importance of bitter greens in the diet has been well studied, and this heat- and drought-tolerant green is a perfect staple green for anyone looking for a boost of healthful bitter greens. A top-notch tropical permaculture plant! Featured in William Woys Weaver's book 100 Vegetables and Where They Came From. Caution: Do not ingest this plant without cooking. Not for use raw!