Jointfir
Gnetum buchholzianum

Family: Gnetaceae

What it is like

A climber. It is an evergreen plant. The stems can be 10-15 m long. The branches are thickened at the nodes. The leaves are opposite but each pair is at right angles to the next one. They can be in rings of three. The leaf blade is narrowly oval and 8-15 cm long by 4.8 cm wide. The base is rounded and they taper to the tip. The leaves are dark green above and paler underneath. They have 4-8 pairs of strongly curved veins. The flowers are in a spike in the axils of leaves or near the ends of branches. The flowers are of separate sexes. The seeds are narrowly oval and 10-15 mm long by 4-8 mm wide. They have a fleshy covering. They turn orange or red when ripe.

There are about 28 Gnetum species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in rainforest from sea level to 1,200 m altitude. It suits humid locations. It does best with a rainfall of 3,000 mm per year. It needs shade. Plants do not grow well in full sun.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten raw or cooked. They are also added to sauces. The fruit and seeds are eaten. The leaves can be shredded and dried and stored for later use.

It is an important and commonly eaten vegetable. It is exported from Cameroon to Nigeria and other countries.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, seeds, nuts, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed but seed may take one year to germinate. Leafy stem cuttings can be used. Plants need a framework to climb, preferably a tree to provide shade.

Its other names

Local names

Afang, Anoh, Ecole, Eru, Fumbwa, Gelu, Ikoko, Ikokoh, Mokaka ko, Okazi, Okok, Ukasi

Synonyms

Thoa buchholziana (Engl.) Doweld;