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Cnidoscolus
aconitifolius belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. The former name is Jatropha tanjorensis. It is a much-branched shrub about 3–4 m high. The stems are thick and fleshy, the leaf is 3–5 palmately lobed on a long peduncle. The flowers are white and the leaves and juice irritates the skin when touched. Most people collect the leaves by wearing a nylon or glove on their hands.
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is commonly referred to as ‘Chaya’ or ‘tree spinach’ in Mexico, ‘Efo Iyana Ipaja’ or ‘Efo Jerusalem’ in South-West Nigeria and ‘Hospital Too Far’ in Niger Delta areas of Nigeria.The plant originated as a domesticated leafy green vegetable in Maya region of Guatemala, Belize and South- East Mexico during pre-Cambrian period. It has continued to be used as food, medicine and ornamental plant (aside from medicinal and food use, it is also planted as a hedgerows in gardens) t