Black-Eyed Susan Vine Flowers
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Black-eyed Susan vines are comprised of trailing, climbing vines that bear evergreen leaves and brightly colored flowers. The leaves average 2 to 8 centimeters in length and 1 to 6 centimeters in diameter and have an oval, cordate, to slightly triangular shape. The leaf’s surface is semi-smooth, soft, hairy, and dull dark green with prominent veining. The edges are also lightly toothed. The flowers featured 4 to 5 oval to cordate-shaped petals appearing in orange, yellow, and sometimes white shades. The blooms are typically 1 to 4 centimeters in diameter, and the soft, velvety petals often overlap, surrounding a black-brown to dark purple center. This center is known as a corolla tube, which contains four stamens. Each flower has two leafy bracts at their base. Black-eyed Susan vine flowers and young leaves are edible and have a mild, neutral, green, and vegetal taste.
Seasons/Availability
In subtropical climates, Black-eyed Susan vines bloom from summer through fall. In tropical regions, the flowers can be found multiple times throughout the year.
Current Facts
Black-eyed Susan vines, botanically classified as Thunbergia alata, are a tropical to subtropical species belonging to the Acanthaceae family. The perennial climbing vine is a fast-growing species that can extend over five meters in length. Black-eyed Susan vines are native to Africa, but the species has been spread worldwide as a popular ornamental. Since their international introduction, Black-eyed Susan vines have been utilized as a colorful addition to home garden landscapes, and the leaves and flowers have been incorporated into natural medicines and culinary uses. Black-eyed Susan vines are known by several regional names worldwide, including Clock vine, Poet’s eye, Eye of Venus, Susanita, Anteojo de Poeta, Bunda de Negro, Ojitos Negros, Swartoognool, Hierba del Susto, Del Espanto, Culo de Poeta, and Bejuco de Perdiz. In natural landscapes and home gardens, Black-eyed Susan vines can creep across the ground, climb trees, trellises, and walls, or cascade from hanging baskets and pots. The brightly colored flowers attract essential pollinators, including butterflies and bumblebees, and gardeners value the species for its hardiness and easy-to-grow nature. Black-eyed Susan vines are not commonly found in commercial culinary markets and are typically foraged from naturalized or home garden plants.
Nutritional Value
Black-eyed Susan vines have not been extensively studied for their nutritional properties. The leaves and flowers contain some phenolic compounds that may contribute antioxidant-like properties to reduce inflammation and protect the body from oxidative stress. The species is also thought to provide antibacterial properties. In Africa, notably in Kenya and Uganda, Black-eyed Susan vines are steeped into infusions and consumed to lessen fevers and headaches and treat diarrhea. Pounded leaves are also topically applied to the skin to soothe skin irritations, burns, and boils or are used in natural shampoos. In parts of Central and South America, Black-eyed Susan vines help with blood sugar levels, and essential oils are extracted and used as a cleaning agent. The Aztecs were also said to have believed that the plants helped ward off the evil eye.
Applications
Black-eyed Susan vines are not a common culinary ingredient, and their recorded uses are limited worldwide. The leaves and flowers are said to be edible and are used in small quantities throughout Africa and South America. The flowers can be used as an edible garnish on salads, cheese boards, desserts, or fruit bowls, or they can be topped over cocktails. The leaves are cooked as a vegetable, simmered in soups, stews, and curries, sauteed as a simple side dish with aromatics, or added to vegetable dishes. In Africa, the leaves are used in various fermented food preparations. Beyond culinary dishes, Black-eyed Susan vines are dried and steeped into teas. Black-eyed Susan vines pair well with aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and onions, herbs including parsley, oregano, and cilantro, and meats such as beef, pork, or poultry. Freshly harvested leaves and flowers have a short shelf life and should be immediately consumed for the best quality and flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
It is important to note that Thunbergia alata shares a similar common name with the species Rudbeckia hirta, but these two species are distinct and should not be used interchangeably. Both species are generically called Black-eyed Susan in English, but Thunbergia alata includes an additional and important descriptor: vines. Thunbergia alata is known as Black-eyed Susan vines, while Rudbeckia hirta is known as Black-eyed Susan. Rudbeckia hirta is not considered edible as various plant elements may cause allergies or poisoning, but more research must be conducted before complete conclusions can be made. Thunbergia alata, the subject of this article, is considered edible in some regions worldwide, so these species must be correctly identified before being eaten. Black-eyed Susan vines earned their curious moniker from the flower’s black-dark purple center, often referred to as an eye.
Geography/History
Black-eyed Susan vines, Thunbergia alata, are native to Africa, specifically tropical and southern regions, and have been growing wild since ancient times. Much of the species' history is unknown, but it was recorded as being introduced as an ornamental in the West Indies in the mid to late 19th century. Black-eyed Susan vines were also carried and planted in regions of South America throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries. Over time, Thunbergia alata expanded beyond its introduction sites in the New World and quickly spread throughout the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Hawaii. The species was also planted in Southeast Asia and Australia. Since its worldwide expansion, Thunbergia alata has been classified as an invasive species in several non-native regions as it is fast-growing and has the capacity to outperform indigenous plants by growing in large colonies. Today, Black-eyed Susan vines thrive in tropical to subtropical forests and grow along roadsides, bodies of water, and open fields. They are also found in home gardens and urban landscapes. The species is prevalent in regions worldwide, especially in Australia, Africa, the United States, South America, and Central America. Black-eyed Susan vines are rare in fresh markets, and the leaves and flowers are often foraged and used in home-cooked preparations. The Black-eyed Susan vine flowers featured in the photograph above were sourced through a market in Colombia.
