Uncaria africana

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A climbing shrub. It grows 5-12 cm long. The young stems are angular. The leaves are narrowly oval and 5-12 cm long by 2.5-6 cm wide. They taper at the tip and are rounded at the base. The flowers occur singly at the end of the branches and are 4-6 cm across. The fruiting heads are 10 cm across. The capsules are narrow and 1.2-2.5 cm long by 4-6 mm wide. They have 10 ribs.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Gabon, Kenya

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Loilailei

Synonyms

Nauclea africana (G. Don) Walp. Ourouparia africana K. Schum.; Uruparia africana (G.Don) Kuntze; and others