Cladostemon kirkii
Family: Capparaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It can grow to 10 m tall or be lying over. The leaves are alternate and have 3 leaflets. The leaf stalk is 3-14 cm long. The blade is 4-12 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. It is oval and wedge shaped at the base. The flowers have small petals that are greenish red and large petals that are white to yellow. They are in groups near the ends of the branches. The fruit are large and 10 cm across.
There is only one Cladostemon species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in the dry lowlands.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania
How it is used for food
The roots are a famine food.
Edible parts
Roots
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Bunguane, Mahucue, Mauco, Mdudu