I don't wish to give any false information about this plant. The name we locals call it is 'Igba'. We really do not know the English equivalent of this colorful and sweet vegetable.
In the Yoruba community, people have great interest in this plant. They call it the queen of all vegetables (Sometimes I am even tempted to ask them "where is her King?" lol). Anyone among the farmers in the community, who plants this plant would normally see people coming around him to fetch it from him. Even in the market, women prefer buying this vegetable above all others.
I have cared enough to interview some of this women why they like to eat this vegetable. Apart from the aesthetic appearance of the plant, these are some of their reasons (Though i can't prove this scientifically):
It helps raise one's immunity
The consumers of this vegetable believes that this vegetable raises one's immunity against disease. The family who eat this vegetable do claim that they do fall ill less often, compared to those who never included any vegetable in their diet.It is also used for refreshment
Strange as it may sound, some elderly people would squeeze out the water in this plant. After squeezing it out well, they make drink it from it by adding milk to it. It is a drink which is enjoyable by all age groups.It is a way of showing prestige
Due to the rarity of the plant, few families who have it in their garden will always take it as an object of pride. This is because other families who did not possess it will either come begging for the seed or the leaf itself.
Means Of Propagation
The only means of propagation of Igba is by its seed. The seed are the yellowish fruit that can be seen on the plant. The fruit is dried and later shelled. After that, the seed is then planted in a primary. From there, the young plants are then transferred to their permanent 'abode', ridges in this case.
Pretty a stressful process right? I would appreciate if there are those who can give the English name of this sweet vegetable.