Christmas bush
Alchornea cordifolia

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A sprawling shrub. It can grow 8 m tall. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are 10-28 cm long by 7-16 cm wide. The leaves are oval with a heart shaped base and with irregular teeth along the edge. They have distinct glands at the base of the leaf blade. The leaf stalk is long. The male flowers are on long spikes. The female flowers are on short stalks.

There are about 70 Alchornea species. They are in the tropics. It is regarded as a medicine.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on the edges of forests near fresh and sea water. It grows in open places. In Nigeria it has been recorded at 1,060 m above sea level. It suits acid soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Côte d'Ivoire, East Africa, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, West Africa

How it is used for food

The dried leaves are cooked and used to make a tea drink.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - drink, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from stem cuttings. They can also be grown from seed. Plants can be cut back and will re-grow.

In Central African Republic plants flower in April and fruit in July.

Its other names

Local names

Abona, Arcu, Blora, Blore, Brusus, Bugi bugi, Bugou, Bulora, Bunce, Bunzi, Cacgume, Cachumbe, Charque, Curo-djendjen-ghadje, Djebonedje, Echumbe, Eginija, Ensumbe, Fiili, Gboo, Gracassaque, Ira, Kibunsi, Kibunsila, Liondje, Lionje, Liyotche, Lungusu, M'bolota,M'sumena, M'sumuna, Po-de-arco, Po-di-lingiana, Ugonga

Synonyms

Schousboea cordifolia Schumach. & Thonn.;