Description
INTRODUCTION
Waterleaf, Talinum triangulare is one of the most widely consumed vegetables in southeastern
Nigeria (van Epenhuijesen, 1974). It is a dicotyledonous plant belonging to the family of
Hydrophyllaceae. In some places in Nigeria, it is often considered to be a weed and only a few
people in sub-Saharan Africa recognized it as a potential vegetable (Schippers, 2000). Schippers
(2000) stated that as the name triangular implies, it is best recognizedby its triangulare peduncle.
The Yorubas call it ‘gbure’ whereas the Igbos call it ‘mgborodi’, in Sierra Leone, it is referred to
as ‘bologi’ while in Cameroon, it is called ‘elok-sup’ (Scippers,2000).
Waterleaf is a small glabrous herbaceous plant in growth habit and is well adapted to areas
close to rivers and streams. In the Southern part of Nigeria, where it is abundant, it is found
growing in both wild and domesticated states (Williams et al., 1991). Triangulare is regarded as
a volunteer crop, which comes up immediately after the first rains of the year, usually around
March/April. The crop is mostly grown b woman and children (Ekpe and Obiefuna, 1977).
The leaf is alternately arranged on the stem. It is sessile, succulent and usually not longer than
7.5cm. In a light shade it can reach up to 11cm in height. The leaf is oblanceolate with pointed
tips, and usually falls soon after the start of the dry season. The stem is thick, and bright green