Sloanea tieghemii

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

What it is like

A small shrub or a large tree. It can be 2-30 m high. Larger trees have buttresses. It has alternate leaves which are almost opposite. The leaves are 3-5 cm x 2-3 cm and not consistently hairy. The edge of the leaves is fairly smooth. The leaf stalk is 0.5-2 cm long and is usually thickened at each end. The flowers are small but showy.

There are 100-120 Sloanea species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They grow from 2200 to 2800 m altitude. It often grows naturally in old gardens and regrowth sites.

Countries/locations it is found in

Pacific, Papua New Guinea

How it is used for food

The kernels of the nuts are eaten after cooking.

Scattered trees occur in highland areas of Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Nuts, seeds

How it is grown

They mostly grow wild from seed. They can be grown from ripe wood cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sloanea archboldiana Smith;