Polyceratocarpus scheffleri
Family: Annonaceae
What it is like
A tall tree. The bark is grey. The young branches have rusty coloured hairs. The leaves are alternate and large and oblong. They are 16-30 cm long. It has a pointed tip. The leaves are shiny above and with rusty hairs underneath. The edges are wavy. The flowers are on older shoots. They have 6 petals in 2 rings. The flower stalk is thick and curved. They are 1.5 cm long. The fruit are about 20 cylinder shaped carpels twisted together. These are 15-20 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. There are about 25 seeds 1.8 cm long. They are striped purple-brown.
It is a rare and endangered plant.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. In Tanzania it grows in the rainforest between 800-1,000 m above sea level. It suits humid locations.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Tanzania
How it is used for food
The inner bark is dried, pounded and sieved. This powder is used as a spice in soup or tea.
Edible parts
Bark - spice
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
The bark is collected all year round. The powder can be stored for several months.
Its other names
Local names
Mkenene, Muenene