Lannea rivae

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A spreading shrub or tree. It grows 2-6 m high. It has many branches and loses its leaves during the year. The trunk and branches are thick. The bark is thick and smooth or rough. It is grey. The leaves are simple and dull green. They often have soft hairs underneath. They are in clusters on short side branches. The flowers are yellow with red patches. The fruit are 1.5 cm long. They are hairy.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Kenya it grows in open bushland between 300-2,000 m altitude. It is more common at the higher altitudes. It needs soil with plenty of air and usually sandy or rocky. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania

How it is used for food

The fruit is edible but not popular. The inner bark is chewed because it is sweet. The leaves are boiled and eaten.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, bark, leaves

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Plants can be cut back and re-grow.

In Tanzania fruit are collected from October to December.

Its other names

Local names

Etopojo, Handaraka, Ingege, Intabali, Intulakigina, Jida-waahey, Jidwey, Kithaala, Kithaalwa, Kitharara, Kwilili, Latat, Lolotwo, Mgumbugumbu, Mtinje, Muthaalwa, Mutherema, Muwumbu, Ntinje, Orittatta

Synonyms

Commiphora tomentosa Engl.; Lannea cufodontii Chiov.; Lannea floccosa Sacleux; Odina rivae Chiov.;