Mammea usambarensis
Family: Calophyllaceae
What it is like
A tree. It grows 30 m tall. The trunk is straight. The bark is grey to red brown and smooth and flaking. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are 14-29 cm long by 7-9 cm wide. They are oblong and wedge shaped at the base and taper to the tip. The flowers are white and in groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit are pale green to yellow and flattened. They are 4-7 cm long by 4-7 cm wide.
Also put in the family Clusiaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in mountain forest. In Tanzania it grows between 1,600-2,100 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Tanzania
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are juicy and eaten raw. They are sweet but acidic. The seeds are roasted and eaten.
The seeds are especially eaten by children.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from fresh seeds.
Fruit are collected from November to April.
Its other names
Local names
Ikongwe, Mbuni, Muikongwe