Schefflera abyssinica

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

A straggling plant that grows attached to other plants. It can grow 25 m high. It can be a small tree about 12 m high. The leaves have leaflets like fingers on a hand. There are 5-7 leaflets. They are 25 cm long by 15 cm wide. They are broadly oval. There are teeth along the edge and can be slightly wavy. The clusters of flowers can be 15-30 cm long and rusty. The fruit are 5 mm long.

Probably edible.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in mid altitude and mountain rainforest. It suits humid locations. In Malawi it grows between 1,200-2,000 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, West Africa, Zambia

How it is used for food

Edible parts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aralia abyssinica A. Rich.; Heptapleurum abyssinicum (A. Rich.) Vatke; Schefflera volkensii sensu Burtt Davy;