Cord tree
Peddiea africana

Family: Thymelaeaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 6 m high. It has many branches. The bark is grey and smooth. The leaves are 50-90 mm long by 20-30 mm wide. They are narrowly oval and taper to the base. There are 5-10 flowers in a cluster. The flowers are yellowish-green. The fruit are fleshy and black. They are 10-14 mm long by 7-10 mm wide.

There are only a few Peddiea species. It contains a skin irritant.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in mid altitude and mountain rainforest. It suits humid locations. It also grows in coastal scrub and along rivers. It can grow from sea level to 2,000 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Guinea, Guinée, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chiburawaringa, Risutu, Ugcamche

Synonyms

Peddiea dregei Meisn.; Peddiea fischeri Engl.; Peddiea harveyi Meisn.;