'''''Vernonia''''' is a genus of about 1000 [[species]] of [[forb]]s and [[shrub]]s in the family [[Asteraceae]]. Some species are sometimes known as '''ironweeds'''. Some species are edible and of economic value. They are known for having intense [[purple]] flowers. The genus is named for English botanist [[William Vernon (botanist)|William Vernon]]. Several species of ''Vernonia'', including ''V. calvoana'', ''V. amygdalina'', and ''V. colorata'', are eaten as [[leaf vegetable]]s. Common names for these species include '''bitterleaf''', '''ewuro''', and '''ndole'''. | '''''Vernonia''''' is a genus of about 1000 [[species]] of [[forb]]s and [[shrub]]s in the family [[Asteraceae]]. Some species are sometimes known as '''ironweeds'''. Some species are edible and of economic value. They are known for having intense [[purple]] flowers. The genus is named for English botanist [[William Vernon (botanist)|William Vernon]]. Several species of ''Vernonia'', including ''V. calvoana'', ''V. amygdalina'', and ''V. colorata'', are eaten as [[leaf vegetable]]s. Common names for these species include '''bitterleaf''', '''ewuro''', and '''ndole'''. |