Lannea schweinfurthii var. tomentosa

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 3-5 m tall. The crown is round and spreading. The small branches droop. The leaves are compound. They are usually crowded at the ends of branches. There are usually 3-5 leaflets. They are shiny and stiff. The larger leaflet at the end is 9 cm long. The mature leaves remain densely hairy underneath. The flowers are small and cream coloured. They have a strong scent. They are in spikes that hang down and are 20 cm long. Trees are separately male and female. The fruit is 1-2 cm long and oblong. They are red-brown and fleshy.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the lowlands. It grows in woodlands and along rivers. It is often associated with termite mounds.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mtinje

Synonyms

Calesiam tomentosum Engl.; Lannea tomentosa (Engl.) Engl.;