Family: Asteraceae
Author: (L.f.) Cass.
Bibliography: Dict. Sci. Nat., ed. 2. 59: 248 (1829)
Year: 1829
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Guizotia
Vegetable: False
Observations: NE. Trop. Africa
Description
Niger, known scientifically as Guizotia abyssinica, is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to northeastern tropical Africa, this plant has been historically valued for its diverse applications, particularly in agriculture and traditional medicine.
Niger plants typically reach a height of 1 to 3 meters and bear bright yellow flowers that are not just pleasing to the eyes but are also vital in attracting pollinators. The leaves of the plant are lanceolate, showcasing a vibrant green hue which stands out in the flora of its native regions.
The seeds of the Niger plant are highly prized for their oil, known for its nutritional value and beneficial properties. Niger oil is rich in essential fatty acids and is comparable to other well-known oils such as sunflower and safflower. This oil has found applications in cooking, cosmetics, and even as a potential biofuel.
Additionally, the seeds are widely used as bird feed, especially for small songbirds, making Niger a popular plant among bird enthusiasts. The high oil content and nutritious value of the seeds make them a favorite for various bird species.
Historically, the usage of Niger can be traced back to ancient Ethiopian traditions where it played a significant role not only in dietary routines but also in cultural practices. Ethiopian communities have cultivated this plant for centuries, deriving oil from its seeds for culinary uses and even utilizing the remaining cake residue as livestock feed.
Niger is also noted for its adaptability and resilience. It fares well in a range of soil types and climatic conditions, although it thrives best in well-drained soils under sunny conditions. This adaptability makes it a valuable crop for farmers in regions with variable climates.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Guizotia abyssinica among scientists and agronomists. Efforts are being made to optimize its cultivation and explore new uses for this remarkable plant. The ongoing research highlights its potential in contributing to sustainable agricultural practices, owing to its relatively low input requirements and versatile applications.
In conclusion, Niger or Guizotia abyssinica is a multifaceted plant with a rich history and promising future. Its contributions span various aspects from ecological benefits and traditional applications to modern agricultural innovations, underlying its significance in both natural and human-influenced ecosystems.
Common Names
Deu: abessinisches ramtillkraut, abyssinisches ramtillkraut, nigersaat, ramtillkraut
Ita: guizotia
Heb: guizotia tzarat-alim, גיזוטיה צרת עלי
Fra: niger, graines du niger, guizotia oléifère, noug, guizotie
Eng: niger, nigerseed, ramtilla, ramtil, inga, niger-seed
Dan: nigerfrø
Por: níger, niger, verbesina-da-índia
Spa: abisin, negrillo, ramtilla
Ces: mastňák habešský
Swe: nigerfrö, negerfrö
Nld: gingellikruid
Cym: guizotia, olewlys
En: Niger, Nigerseed, Ramtilla, Ramtil, Inga, Niger-seed
Ca: Negrilló
Cs: Mastňák habešský
Da: Nigerfrø
Nl: Gingellikruid
Fr: Niger, Graines du Niger, Guizotia oléifère, Noug, Guizotie, Guizotia
De: Abessinisches Ramtillkraut, Abyssinisches Ramtillkraut, Nigersaat, Ramtillkraut, Gingellikraut
He: Guizotia tzarat-alim, גיזוטיה צרת עלי, גיזוטיה צרת-עלים
It: Guizotia
Pt: Níger, Niger, Verbesina-da-Índia
Es: Abisin, Negrillo, Ramtilla
Sv: Nigerfrö, Negerfrö
Cy: Guizotia, Olewlys
Synonyms
- Polymnia frondosa (Bruce)
- Anthemis mysorensis (DC.)
- Verbesina sativa (Roxb. ex Sims)
- Ramtilla oleifera (DC.)
- Guizotia oleifera ((DC.) DC.)
- Parthenium luteum (Spreng.)
- Jaegeria abyssinica ((L.f.) Spreng.)
- Tetragonotheca abyssinica ((L.f.) Ledeb.)
- Polymnia abyssinica (L.f.)
- Helianthus oleifer (Wall.)
- Heliopsis platyglossa (Cass.)
- Buphthalmum ramtilla (Buch.-Ham. ex Wall.)
- Ramtilla oleifera var. sativa ((Roxb. ex Sims) DC.)
- Guizotia oleifera var. sativa ((Roxb. ex Sims) DC.)
- Ramtilla oleifera var. angustior (DC.)
- Bidens ramtilla (Wall.)
- Guizotia oleifera var. angustior ((DC.) DC.)
Distribution
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Arkansas (introduced)
- Assam (introduced)
- Austria (introduced)
- Baltic States (introduced)
- Belgium (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Cameroon (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Japan (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Kansas (introduced)
- Kenya (introduced)
- Lebanon-Syria (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Myanmar (introduced)
- Nepal (introduced)
- Netherlands (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Northern Provinces (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Palestine (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Sardegna (introduced)
- Sicilia (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Tennessee (introduced)
- Uganda (introduced)
- Ukraine (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- Yugoslavia (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 19, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 23, 2021 by Françoise (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Monique Sallard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 8, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Barbara Gruenhut (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Jean-Marc Vessot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 23, 2021 by Françoise (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Nov 19, 2022 by alexein (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Jenn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Anne Lehmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2021 by Johanna Frommberger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2020 by bonini fernanda (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Gonzalez Sylvia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8584304)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:210735-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 6.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Soil nutriments: 7
