Terminalia brownii

Family: Combretaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 7-25 m high. The bark is dark grey and develops cracks along it. The leaves are arranged in spirals at the end of branches. They are oval and 6-16 cm long. The leaves droop. The old leaves turn red before they fall. The flowers are white or cream. The fruit are reddish-purple and have wings. The fruit are 4-6 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in well-drained dry soils. It grows in woodland. It grows between 500-2,000 m above sea level. It grows in areas with a rainfall of 400 mm per year. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Benin, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Middle East, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Yemen

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

They are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants grow from seeds. The seeds germinate easily in about 60-90 days. It can be cut back and allowed to re-grow.

It has a moderate growth rate.

Its other names

Local names

Darot, Epiye, Kiuku, Kolopcho, Koloswo, Mpoke, Mpuko, Muuku, Mwanya, Olbugoi, Sabaranya, Subagh, Wob

Synonyms

Terminalia confertifolia Steud. ex A. Rich.; Terminalia cycloptera R. Br.;