Strychnos henningsii
Family: Loganiaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It has many branches. It grows 3-6 m tall. The leaves are glossy and opposite. It has 3 prominent veins. The leaves are oval. The flowers are pink and in groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit are 2 cm long. They are green and turn red when ripe.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry forests. In Kenya it grows from sea level to 2,300 m altitude. It can grow in rocky soils and dry places. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The roots and stems are used in soups. They are boiled and sieved and added in small amounts to bone soup. The fruit are used for flavouring beer. They fruit themselves are not eaten. Caution: It needs to be carefully prepared.
Edible parts
Roots, stems, bark, leaves - flavouring, fruit - flavouring, caution
How it is grown
It can be cut back and will re-grow.
Its other names
Local names
Hadesa, Karaa, Manono, Maset, Mbathe, Muteta, Panda