Utilization of Indian spinach (Basella Linn.) in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper reports on the survey carried out among consumers on the uses of Indian spinach in Ondo State, Nigeria. Well-structured questionnaires were prepared and one hundred (100) questionnaires were randomly distributed to consumers in each of the 16 local government areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. Result showed that there are more female respondents (59.4 %) than the males (40.6%). This could have resulted from the fact that women make more informed decision on food security in homes. Most consumers are civil servants. Most consumers prefer Indian spinach to other commonly consumed vegetables and their choice is based on availability and taste. Basella, could be cooked sole, mixed with grounded seeds of egusi (Citrillus lanatus) or other vegetables. Respondents noted that Indian spinach contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and nutrient elements. They also noted that all the parts are useful (leaves, stems and roots) and they are useful in treatment of various ailments in folk medicine. This paper documents consumers' knowledge on Basella because information on consumers' knowledge of agriculture products is scarce. The researcher derived information on the genus Basella, uses and future prospect of the genus in the study area.

Taxonomic significance of leaf architecture in the genus Basella Linn. in Nigeria

“…in Nigeria was described as a monotypic genus consisting of B. alba synonym B. rubra in the Flora of West Tropical Africa (FWTA) (Hutchinson & Dalziel, 1958) however three species namely, B. rubra (Sperling & Bittrich, 1993); B. cordifolia Lamk (Winters, 1963;Ozela et al, 2007;FAO, 2010); B. alba (Hutchinson & Dalziel, 1958). In addition to these a form yet to be accorded a status, B. alba var round was reported by Adenegan-Alakinde (2014). Studies are ongoing to resolve the riddle associated with the taxonomy of the genus.…”