Delonix edulis

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 6 m tall. The leaves are alternate and are compound. They have 1-4 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oval to round and 4-6 mm long. The pod hangs down and is 20-30 cm long by 2 cm wide. It is dented between the seed. The seeds are oval to kidney shaped and 2.5 cm long by 1.5 cm wide.

It is an endangered species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in semi-arid regions up to 500 m above sea level. It is often on limestone escarpments.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Madagascar (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

It is used for food and drink. The bitter outer coat is removed from the seeds.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Tara

Synonyms

Lemuropisum edule H. Perrier;