Danisa
Thespesia danis
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. The leaves are broadly oval. They are 2-9 cm long by 2-8 cm wide. They are densely scaly. The flowers are yellow with a red, pink or purple centre. They are 2.5 cm across. The fruit is a flattened round shape. It is 1 cm across.
There are 10-17 Thespesia species. They are in the tropics of Africa and Asia.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows along the coast. It can grow in salty soils. It grows between 150-500 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places. It grows in the lowlands and on alluvial flats in Kenya up to 1,200 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten by coastal fishermen.
Edible parts
Fruit, root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Dane, Danis, Kabxan, Kobahan, Kobxan, Kokonke, Mlambale, Muhohe, Muhowe, Muoro