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''Vernonia'' is a genus of about 1000 species of forbs and shrubs in the family Asteraceae. Some species are known as ironweed. Some species are edible and of economic value. They are known for having intense purple flowers. The genus is named for the English botanist William Vernon. There are numerous distinct subgenera and subsections in this genus. This has led some botanists to divide this large genus into several distinct genera. For instance, the ''Flora of North America'' only recognizes about 20 species in ''Vernonia'' sensu stricto, 17 of which are in North America north of Mexico, with the others being found in South America.〔(Flora of North America: Vernonia )〕 ==Uses== Several species of ''Vernonia'', including ''V. calvoana'', ''V. amygdalina'', and ''V. colorata'', are eaten as leaf vegetables. Common names for these species include bitterleaf, ewuro, ndole and onugbu. They are common in most West African and Central African countries. They are one of the most widely consumed leaf vegetables of Cameroon, where they are a key ingredient of Ndolé. The leaves have a sweet and bitter taste. They are sold fresh or dried, and are a typical ingredient in egusi soup. ''Vernonia amygdalina'' is well known as a medicinal plant with several uses attributed to it, including for diabetes, fever reduction, and recently a non-pharmaceutical solution to persistent fever, headache, and joint pain associated with AIDS (an infusion of the plant is taken as needed).〔(Herbal medicine--its use in treating some symptoms of AIDS; 9th International AIDS Conference )〕〔(Report:INDIGENOUS APPROACHES TO THE HIV/AIDS SCOURGE IN UGANDA, Chap. 5 )〕 These leaves are exported from several African countries and can be purchased in grocery stores aiming to serve African clients. The roots of ''V. amygdalina'' have been used for gingivitis and toothache due to its proven antimicrobial activity.〔(TRADITIONAL MEDICINE DEVELOPMENT FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM IN AFRICA. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Vol. 2, Num. 1, 2005, pp. 46-61 )〕 In Brazil, ''V. condensata'' (commonly known as "figatil" or "necroton") is traditionally used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antithermal, antianemic, antibacterial, liver tonic, hepatoprotective, and antiulcerogenic agent. ''Vernonia galamensis'' is used as an oilseed in East Africa. It is grown in many parts of Ethiopia, especially around the city of Harar, with an average seed yield of 2 to 2.5 t/ha. It is reported that the Ethiopian strains of ''Vernonia'' have the highest oil content, up to 41.9% with up to 80% vernolic acid, and is used in paint formulations, coatings plasticizers, and as a reagent for many industrial chemicals.〔("Alamata Pilot Learning Site Diagnosis and Program Design" ) IPMS Information Resources Portal - Ethiopia (23 June 2005), p. 12 (accessed 3 March 2009)〕 ''Vernonia'' species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including ''Coleophora vernoniaeella'' (which feeds exclusively on the genus) and ''Schinia regia'' (which feeds exclusively on ''V. texana''). ''Vernonia calvoana'' or bitterleaf, is a common garden plant in many West African and Central African countries. It is a key ingredient in ndolé, a national dish of Cameroon.〔(Veronia calvoana ), Plant Encyclopedia〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Vernonia」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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