''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.Grubben, G.J.H., ''Vegetables, Volume 2 of Plant Resources of Tropical Africa'', PROTA 2004,

Ecology

The species is invasive in New Caledonia.

Toxicity

''Crassocephalum crepidioides'' contains the hepatotoxic and tumorigenic pyrrolizidine alkaloid, jacobine.Fu, P.P., Yang, Y.C., Xia, Q., Chou, M.C., Cui, Y.Y., Lin G., "Pyrrolizidine alkaloids-tumorigenic components in Chinese herbal medicines and dietary supplements", ''Journal of Food and Drug Analysis'', Vol. 10, No. 4, 2002, pp. 198-21

/ref> However, in another study, it is shown that the antitumor activity and macrophage nitric oxide produce action. Tomimori, Koh, et al. "Antitumor activity and macrophage nitric oxide producing action of medicinal herb, Crassocephalum crepidioides." BMC complementary and alternative medicine 12.1 (2012): 78.

References

Leaf vegetables crepidioides Plants described in 1842 {{Senecioneae-stub