Garcinia ovalifolia

Family: Clusiaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 10-15 m tall. The leaves are opposite. The leaves are oval but broadest in the middle and taper to a long tip. They are dark green above and dull underneath. The flowers are pale greenish-cream. Two of the sepals are larger than the other two. The fruit are orange-brown.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the African tropics. It grows in seasonally flooded forests and along rivers.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo R., East Africa, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Guinée, Sierra Leone, Uganda, West Africa

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

IN Central African Republic flowers have been recorded in January and February and fruit in May.

Its other names

Local names

Karawwayyuu

Synonyms

Garcinia claessensii De Wild.; Garcinia curvinervis Vesque; Garcinia edeensis Engl.; Garcinia kerstingii Engl.; Garcinia pyrnaertii De Wild.; Stalagmitis ovalifolia G. Don; Stalagmitis spicata Walp. Xanthochymus ovalifolius Roxb.; Xanthochymus spicatus Wight & Arn,;