Terminalia spinosa

Family: Combretaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows up to 20 m high. The bark is grey and cracked. The shoots zigzag. They end with a spur. There are 1-3 spines at the base. The leaves are clustered on the spur shoots. They are oval and 4 cm by 3 cm. They are wedge shaped at the base. The flowers are white. They are in spikes 6 cm long. The fruit is 2-3 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They are reddish.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It can grow from sea level to 1,770 m above sea level. In Somalia it grows between 10 and 275 m above sea level. It grows in woodland. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda

How it is used for food

The bark is used to make a tea like drink.

Edible parts

Bark - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Epetait, Hara, Xarar

Synonyms

Terminalia robecchii Chiov.;