Joy perfume tree
Pentadiplandra brazzeana

Family: Pentadiplandraceae

What it is like

A small climbing shrub. It grows 3 m tall. It can be 20 m long. The leaves are 5-15 cm long by 1-8 cm wide. The flowers are in the axils of leaves. Flowers are white with red or blue spots near the top. The fruit is round and orange-red. It has white specks. The fruit is 3 cm across. The flesh is red and very sweet

There is only one Pentadiplandra species and only one Genus in the Pentadiplandraceae family. The chemical ingredient has been isolated and patented. It is now used in transgenic maize.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows on the edges of forest and in grassland.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The fruit is rich in a protein sweetener. The fruit pulp is eaten raw. The roots and leaves are also eaten. The roots taste like horseradish. Caution: The roots are used in medicine and may contain poison.

Edible parts

Tuberous root, fruit pulp, leaves, vegetable, root - flavouring, spice

How it is grown

In Central African Republic plants flower in February and fruit from February to June.

Its other names

Local names

Amelalokulu, Bosimi, Chimbochonise, Digabi, Etekele, Hamba, Kiasa, Mandangela, Mbalaka, Nikenge-kyasa, Nke-kuasa, Ofanda, Ophana, Tophanda

Synonyms

Cercopetalum dasayanthum Gilg.; Cotylonychia chevalieri Stapf; Pentadiplandra gossweileri Exell;