Lannea triphylla
Family: Anacardiaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It is spreading. It grows about 5 m high. The bark is smooth and dark grey. The branches are flexible. The leaves are divided into 3 leaflets. The flowers are in spikes and are cream coloured. The fruit are a dull green. They have soft hairs. The seeds are red.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. In Ethiopia it grows in lowlands between 300-1,400 m altitude. It grows in sandy clay and rocky areas. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Arabia, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Middle East, Oman, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda
How it is used for food
The root is eaten raw. It is peeled and chewed especially in the dry season. It is sweet. The bark is boiled for tea. The ripe fruit are edible.
It is a famine food mainly eaten by children.
Edible parts
Root, fruit, bark
How it is grown
It can be grown from stem cuttings or by seed.
The roots become succulent and white after rain.
Its other names
Local names
Andarak, Anri, Anthri, Baaror, Fachoka, Jiidiwaa, Kithaala, Kithaalwa, Kuogo, Lanberori, Moino, Muthaalwa, Nzaala, Tapoyo, Tobayo, Waanri, Wacanri, Wankhri