Lannea alata

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A spreading tree. It has many branches. It loses its leaves during the year. It can grow up to 4 m high. The branches are drooping. The bark is dark grey and smooth. The base of the stem often has a thread like growth over it. The leaves are divided into small leaflets. These have blunt teeth near the tip. The leaves are clustered on short shoots. The leaf stalk is often winged. The flowers are on flowering shoots amongst the leaves. They are small and greenish-yellow. The fruit are 2 cm across. They are green but turn orange when ripe. The seeds are green and have a rough surface.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Kenya it grows on rocky hillsides between sea level and 1,200 m altitude. It is in areas with a rainfall between 400-600 mm per year. It suits dry land. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

The fruit are popular.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Fruit are more juicy with good rains.

Its other names

Local names

Bejelo, Kitungu, Kumude, Manga, Mukolya, Muumbu, Ndungu, Wanreh

Synonyms

Odina alata Engl.;