Hornbill's calabash
Maesopsis eminii

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows to 35 m high. The trunk 22 m long and is 80 cm across. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are almost alternate and simple. They are 8-15 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. The fruit are small and fleshy. They are 3 cm long by 2 cm wide. There is one seed.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in forest and needs a wet climate. It is often grown as a shade tree for coffee, cacao and cardamon. It grows in moist forests between 700-1,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Asia, Benin, Cameroon, Central Africa (country/location of origin), Central African Republic, CAR, Central America, Congo DR, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, East Africa, Fiji, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pacific, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, West Africa (country/location of origin), Zambia

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds - oil

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds. Seeds are removed from the fruit and washed and dried. Before planting they are soaked in water for 3 days

It is fast growing and short lived.

Its other names

Local names

Esenge, Igilgbon, Kingembu, Kingembwa, Londo, Manasati, Munsambi nsambi, Musizi, Nabit, Nduga, Nkala, Nkangela, Nkanguele, Onwam-dua, Pohon payung afrika

Synonyms

Maesopsis berchemioides (Pierre) A. Chev.;