Guizotia scabra Chiov.

An erect herb or shrub. It grows 1-2 m high. It keeps growing from year to year. It can be smaller on poor soils. The stems often have short hairs. The leaves are opposite. They are 3-15 cm long. They are sword shaped with teeth along the edge. They are sticky to touch. The flower heads are 2-5 cm across. They are yellow. The fruit are dry and 2 mm long.

It is a tropical plant. In Ethiopia is grows at mid and high elevations. In Ethiopia it grows between 1,400-2,800 m altitude. It can grow up to 3,500 m. In Tanzania it grows between sea level and 1,200 m above sea level. It grows in areas with a rainfall between 1.100-1,700 mm. It grows in swampy areas and along streams. It can be in high rainfall grassland.

The young leaves are eaten. They are harvested when young before flowering. They are also used in soups. The dry seeds are pounded and roasted and eaten also eaten raw. They are mixed with other vegetables.

Plants are grown from seed. Seeds often grow naturally after seasonal fires.