Pancovia laurentii
Family: Sapindaceae
What it is like
A tree. It grows to 20 m high. The trunk can be 45 cm across. The leaves are grouped in rings at the end of the branches. The leaf stalks are 10-18 cm long. The leaflets are almost opposite and 12-24 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. The flowering shoots on the stems are 30 cm long. The fruit is a 3 sided winged berry. It is 2.5 cm long by 3.5 cm wide. The fruit pulp is orange and there are 3 brown seeds. The fruit grow in heavy drooping bunches from the trunk.
There are about 10 Pancovia species. They are tropical and subtropical.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in primary forest.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Congo R, Gabon
How it is used for food
The whole fruit including seeds is eaten raw.
The fruit are popular.
Edible parts
Fruit pulp, aril, seed
How it is grown
Fruiting is seasonal. In Central African Republic flowers have been recorded in February and March.
Its other names
Local names
Botende, Esel, Mutendu, Mutindi, Nkila nkumbi, Ntende, Sesemu