African rosewood
Anthonotha macrophylla

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 12-20 m high. The trunk is 50 cm across. It can have several stems. The crown is spreading. The leaves are 6-30 cm long by 4-16 cm wide. The flowers are in loose groups in the axils of leaves. The flowers are white and turn yellow. The fruit is a long and often slightly curved pod. It is 15-23 cm long by 5-7 cm wide. They are pointed at the tip. They have up to 7 seeds. The seeds are oval and flattened and 3-5 cm long by 2-3 cm wide.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in tall forests and along streams. In Nigeria it is recorded at 200 and 600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Guinée, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, West Africa

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Trees can be cut back and will re-grow.

In Central African Republic plants have been recorded flowering April to May and fruit occurring in July and November.

Its other names

Local names

Emongia, Kilutia

Synonyms

Macrolobium macrophyllum (P. Beauv.) J. F. Macbr.; Macrolobium macrophyllum var. heudelotianum Baker f.; Macrolobium palisoti Benth.; Macrolobium palisoti var. heudelotiana A. Chev.; Vouapa macrophylla (P. Beauv.) Baill.; Vouapa macrophylla var. heudelotiana Baill.;