Chytranthus macrobotrys

Family: Sapindaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 8 m tall. The leaves are 60 cm long and opposite. They are compound with 6 leaflets. Each leaflet is 30 cm long by 10 cm wide. The flowers grow on the stem. They are in long groups 20 cm long. The flowers are very small, white and cup shaped. About 5-10 fruit grow from each flowering stalk. The fruit are green and fluted. There are several large seeds. These can be 4 cm long by 2 cm wide. They are brown and flat.

Where it is found

A tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Congo R, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, West Africa

How it is used for food

The seeds are boiled and eaten after the skin is taken off. The spongy flesh of the fruit is used to make a drink.

Edible parts

Seeds, fruit, nuts

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Fruiting is seasonal.

Its other names

Local names

Adigi, Banjeje, Bodumbe, Bonsow, Bosbume, Bosemu, Bosew, Botokolo, Dugu, Dugulu, Gesumba, Inzium, Lipueso, Lotokolo, Okene, Otoko, Sin, Tokolo

Synonyms

Chytranthus mayumbensis Exell; Glossolepis giorgii De Wild.; Glossolepis macrobotrys Gilg.;