Kai, Sumara fida
Alchornea floribunda
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What it is like
A leaning shrub or tree. It grows 5-10 m high. The trunk can be 5 cm across. The leaves are alternate and broadly oval. They are 30 cm long by 10 cm wide. There are a few teeth along the edge. The flowers are small and in spikes in the axils of leaves.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in the undergrowth of closed forest. It can be in lowland swamps.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, East Africa, Gabon, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda, West Africa
How it is used for food
The leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
It has stimulant properties and is probably more as a drug than a vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves, caution
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Lushuna, Pwa yando