Zanthoxylum paracanthum

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It can grow 10 m tall. The branches are smooth and dull red. There are thick spines 3-11 mm long. The leaves are 15-37 cm long. They have a lemon scent. They have prickles. The leaves have 11-23 leaflets. These are 5-13 cm long by 2-4 cm wide.

It contains alkaloids that reduce some mosquito larvae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in evergreen forest and can be along rivers. It grows between 100-1,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mlega mguda

Synonyms

Fagara paracantha Mildbr.;