Asteranthe asterias

Family: Annonaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-8 m tall. The bark is grey to black with fine lines along it. The young branches have rusty hairs. The leaves are oval and 4-17 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They taper to the tip. Young leaves are hairy underneath. The flowers have an unpleasant smell. The petals are green at first then creamy white. The fruit are 2-4 cm long by 1 cm wide. They have velvety brown hairs. The seeds are yellow to brown and 7-8 mm long by 4-5 mm wide.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in lowland forests up to 650 m above sea level. It is often on limestone soils and near streams.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Bark - flavouring, leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Asteranthe trollii Diels; Asteranthopsis asterias (S. Moore) Pilg.; Uvaria asterias S. Moore;