Mountain syringa
Kirkia wilmsii
Family: Kirkiaceae
What it is like
It is a deciduous tree. It grows 8-18 m tall. The crown is round or spreading. The leaves are crowded at the tips. They are 10-20 cm long. They are compound with 20-40 leaflets. These are shiny and grey-green. The flowers are greenish-white and in compound heads. The fruit are small and light brown. They are 4 valved capsules.
It is also put in the family Simaroubaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It is frost and drought resistant once established. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The swollen roots are chewed to quench thirst.
Edible parts
Roots - water, tuber
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds are small and sown with fine sand. They can also be grown from cuttings or large branch sections.
The large swollen tubers can be 30 cm long.