Kirkia tenuifolia
Family: Kirkiaceae
What it is like
It is a deciduous tree. It grows up to 8 m high. The bark is smooth or slightly cracked and dark grey. There are root tubers. The leaves are on short shoots. There are 5-9 leaflets and the base is wedge shaped. They are 1-3 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are greenish cream and in groups 3-7 cm long. The petals are 3-5 mm long. The fruit are narrowly oval and pink. They are 10-12 mm long by 6-8 mm wide. They are four angled.
It is also put in the family Simaroubaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in dry soils in shrubland. It grows between 200-800 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia
How it is used for food
The swollen roots are chewed to quench thirst.
Edible parts
Roots - water, bark - moisture
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Biss duga, Dofarchot