Cochlospermum tinctorium
Family: Bixaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It grows 80 cm high. It has a woody underground rootstock and this produces annual shoots. The leaves are alternate and have lobes arranged like fingers on a hand. The leaves are 2-12 cm long by 2-16 cm wide. The flowers can occur in groups at ground level. They are golden yellow.
There are about 20 Cochlospermum species. It is commonly used in medicine. Also put in the family Cochlospermaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It can grow in arid places. It grows in the dry savannah.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, East Africa, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, West Africa
How it is used for food
The entire immature fruit are eaten to quench thirst. They are used for sauce.
Edible parts
Leaves, root, unripe capsules
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Borba, Bundola, Djandere, Djarundje, Kpadou, Mezinho-grande, N'tilibara, Tirbom