Country onion, Garlic bark
Afrostyrax lepidophyllus
Family: Huaceae
What it is like
A tree. It grows to 30 m high. The trunk is 50 cm across. The leaves are dark green and shiny above and pale green and dull underneath. Underneath it has very small white scales. The leaves are oval and rounded at the base and tapering to the tip. They are arranged alternately. The plant smells like onion or garlic.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in secondary rainforest. It suits humid locations.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Cameroon (country/location of origin), Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Congo R, Gabon, Ghana, West Africa
How it is used for food
The leaves, bark, flowers, fruit and seeds are used as a spice. They have a garlic like taste. They are used in soups and stews. The roots are eaten.
They are used as a spice in most recipes in Cameroon.
Edible parts
Seeds, leaves, fruit, bark - flavouring, spice, flower, root
How it is grown
In Central African Republic flowers have been recorded in February and March.
Its other names
Local names
Alelock, Arbre a ail, Echap, Fulum, Ikang, Gimba, Nguimba, Sie, Tengulu