Savannah tree
Anogeissus leiocarpus

Family: Combretaceae

What it is like

A tall tree. It grows 30 m tall. It has many branches. The bark is grey and scaly. The young branches are hairy. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are alternate and sword shaped. They are 4-7 cm long. They are light green. The flower heads are yellowish. The fruit are small and like cones.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the Sahel. It grows in areas with a rainfall between 200-1,200 mm per year. It can grow in arid places. Brisbane Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, East Africa, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sahel, Senegal, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, West Africa, West Indies

How it is used for food

The gum is mixed with or used as a substitute for gum arabic. The flowers are used in jams and jellies. The calyx and the fruit are used for the preparation of sauce or tea. They are also used for chutneys. The roots are made into chew stick. The young leaves are used as a vegetable.

The gum is only occasionally used.

Edible parts

Gum, leaves, fruit, bark - drink, flowers, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seeds. Only a low percentage of seeds grown.

Plant growth is slow.

Its other names

Local names

Agni, Atara, Caga, Gangamau, Marke, Orinodan

Synonyms

Anogeissus schimperi Hochst. ex Hutch. & Dalz.; Conocarpus leiocarpus DC.; Terminalia leiocarpa (DC.) Baill.; and others