Greenwayodendron suaveolens

Family: Annonaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 35-45 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The trunk is 25 m long before branches. It is 70-90 cm across. The bark is smooth and grey. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are narrowly oval and 4-12 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They can be larger. The flowers are in groups of 8-12. They are often opposite the leaves. The fruit are made up of 10 follicles 1-2 cm long. They are purple to red. They have 1-2 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in humid evergreen and deciduous forests. In Uganda it grows up to 1,100 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Congo R, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants flower in January and October and fruit in March, May, June, and October.

Its other names

Local names

Agudughu, Amuje, Atorewa osharo, Betsua, Betungha, Botounga, Dyabe, Eleku, Ewai, Ikoko, Motinga, Motsungha, Mutunga, Mwamba-kumfu, Mwamba-pinda, Nchua, Okenren, Otua, Otunga, Tsenge

Synonyms

Greenwayodendron suaveolens var. gabonica (Pellegr. ex Le Thomas) Verdc.; Polyalthia aubrevillei Ghesquiere ex Aubre; Polyalthia suaveolens Engl. & Diels; Polyalthia suaveolens var. gabonica Pellegr. ex Le Thomas;