Redflower Ragleaf

Crassocephalum crepidioides Linn., called Borbotak or Bulak Manok in Tagalog (family Asteraceae; tribe Senecioneae), is an erect annual succulent herb growing up to 180 cm tall. It is cultivated in the tropics for its fleshy, mucilaginous edible leaves, which are often sold in local markets.

It is native to tropical Africa but has become widely distributed eastwards out of Africa and Madagascar into the East Indies, India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines, and it is still actively spreading. It is included in the Global Compendium of Weeds and classified as one of the most aggressive weeds occurring in tropical and subtropical regions, with the capability to produce large amounts of hairy wind-dispersed seeds.

Other names are: Okinawa Spinach, Ebolo, Thickhead, Redflower Ragleaf, or Fireweed,