Erythrococca kirkii

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

A straggling shrub. It can grow 4.5 m tall. The bark is rough. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are oval and 5-15 cm long by 2-8 cm wide. The base is wedge shaped and they taper to the tip. The flowers are in rounded groups 1-2 cm long. There are fewer female flowers than male flowers. The fruit are a 3 lobed capsule.

There are about 50 Erythrococca species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in forests and along rivers and on the edges of woodland and lakes. It grows up to 1,250 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania

How it is used for food

The chopped leaves are eaten cooked as a vegetable. They are often mixed with other vegetables. The ripe fruits are eaten raw.

Leaves are sold in local markets. It is a popular vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

In Tanzania leaves are collected from February to June.

Its other names

Local names

Lutini, Mnyembeue, Mnyembeuwe, Nyakibiki, Nyamtulo

Synonyms

Claoxylon kirkii Mull.Arg.; Erythrococca mitis Pax.;