Forest jasmine
Jasminum abyssinicum

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

A climbing shrub. It is strong and woody and climbs 8-20 m high. The main stem can be 13 cm across. The young branches can be hairy. The leaves are opposite and have 3 leaflets. The flowers are white and have a scent. The fruit have 1-2 lobes. The fruit are 6-10 mm across.

There are between 200 and 500 Jasminum species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in mountain forest. In Malawi it grows between 1,500-2,450 m altitude. It can grow to 3,000 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Burundi, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Middle East, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The root is boiled and eaten. They are used in soup.

Edible parts

Roots, leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Isanzo, Maago, Mukaksu, Oluseshe, Tembelel, Tunayit

Synonyms

Jasminum wyliei N. E. Br.;