Gilbertiodendron dewevrei

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows to 30 m high. The trunk can be 2-3 m across. The bark is yellow and flaky. The leaves are red when young but become dark green. The fruit is a large pod. The seeds are 5 cm long and 1 cm thick.

Also as Caesalpinaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the rain-forest. It tends to form fairly pure stands.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Congo R, Gabon, Nigeria, West Africa

How it is used for food

The seeds are boiled and eaten. The skin is removed. The seeds are used as a starchy staple. They are crushed and cooked.

Edible parts

Seeds, fruit

How it is grown

In Central African Republic plants have been recorded flowering in March and April.

Its other names

Local names

Akiengie, Ambalakata, Bemba, Libounlibogol, Limbambu, Lofete, Mambau, Mbau, Mbaum Mbele, Mbolu, Nguluma, Omongo, Umbolu

Synonyms

Macrolobium dewevrei De Willd.;