Hagenia abyssinica
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A tree. It grows 25 m high. The crown is rounded and often umbrella shaped. The bark is red-brown and is papery and peels off. The flowers are pinkish-white. They hang in long stalks and are of one sex.
There is one Hagenia species. Possibly edible. It is also used in medicine.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It is easily killed by fire. It grows along the edges of rainforest and spreads into burnt grassland. It suits humid locations.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Burundi, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo, East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
How it is used for food
The fresh fruit is pounded and eaten.
Edible parts
Herb, seeds, fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Heto, Koso, Kousso, Umugeeti