Plukenetia conophora

Plukenetia conophora, also called Nigerian walnut, and conophore, is a climbing shrub in the genus Plukenetia. It is not related to the walnut, being so named because its nuts bear a superficial resemblance to the walnut. It is native to tropical western and central Africa from Togo to Congo and in Sierra Leone. It is abundant in the Nigeria, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo. It prefers rain-forest hedge in half-shady places; low bush; secondary forest; plantations at elevations from 250–1,400 m (820–4,590 ft). Although it is well recorded in Sierra Leone, it is apparently not indigenous to Sierra Leone, since it is not recorded in Liberia and Ghana. Its presence in Sierra Leone is due to returning slaves for it is known to the Krio by its Yoruba (Nigerian) name. Plukenetia conophora is the only Plukenetia species native to West Africa or Central Africa. Other Plukenetia species are indigenous to other parts of Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and America.

Description

A shrub or creeper. It can be 30 m long. It has many branches. The leaves narrow to the tip and are 18 cm long by 10 cm wide. The flowers are very small and white and grouped in clusters. The male flowers fall off leaving the female flowers. The fruit has 4 or 5 lobes. There are 4-5 large seeds. The seeds are eaten after roasting.

Edible Uses

The seed can be eaten raw or cooked, and has a pleasant odor. It is most commonly boiled or roasted and often served with corn on the cob. Ground into a powder, it can be combined with flour to make cakes. Raw seeds have a bitter flavor reminiscent of kola nut and are considered tonic. The thin-shelled seeds are about 25mm long. They yield 48–60% of a light golden oil with a flavor resembling linseed oil; the oil comprises linolenic acid 64%, palmitic and stearic acids 15%, oleic acid 11%, and linoleic acid 10%. The fruit is eaten with rice. Leaves and young shoots are also eaten with rice.

Traditional Uses

The leaves, young shoots and fruit are eaten with rice. They are also dried. The seeds are boiled or roasted and eaten. The skin is removed. They are also used for edible oil.

Medicinal Uses

The leaves are considered a remedy for headaches. Raw seeds are regarded as aphrodisiac and tonic. The oil extracted from the seeds is used medicinally in massages.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in secondary forest growing up tall trees.

Where It Grows

Africa, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo DR, Congo R, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, West Africa,

Cultivation

Cultivated in the hot and humid zones of tropical Africa around gardens and backyards, mainly for subsistence consumption. Grows on moist, deep, fertile, well-drained loam soils and in silt clay loam soils. Nut production is seasonal. The kernels can yield 50-60% oil. Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: regional crop only. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).

Propagation

Plants are grown from seed. Stem cuttings can also be used.

Other Uses

The seeds yield 48–60% of a drying oil that dries more quickly than linseed oil. Known in the paint and varnish trade as awusa oil, it is usable in the paint industry provided the supply is consistent and the kernels contain low levels of free fatty acids. It is not suitable for soap manufacture. Fresh oil has an iodine value of 190, which is excellent for a drying oil, but the seeds deteriorate in storage due to enzymatic action; heat-treatment at the time of collection is needed to prevent this.

Production

The vine starts producing after 5 years. Nut production is seasonal. In Congo they are available August to October. The kernels can yield 50-60% oil.

Other Information

It is a cultivated food plant. Seeds are sold in local markets. They are in high demand in season.

Nutrition

Synonyms

Also Known As

Angeko, Angeti, Bodombu, Botito, Conophor, Ekporo, Eti, Kaso, Kasso, Kasu, Kpwo-ngo, Limba, Lokaso, Lukaswa, Makasu nsinga, Ngaso, Ngezi, Nkasu, Okhue, Otito, Owusa nut, Tiito, Tito, Titose, Tobe, Tobye, Ukpa, Wanut

References (45)

• Awodoyin, R.O., Olubode, O.S., Ogbu, J.U., Balogun, R.B., Nwawuisi, J.U. and Orji, K.O., 2015, Indigenous Fruit Trees of Tropical Africa: Status, Opportunity for Development and Biodiversity Management. Agricultural Sciences, 6, 31-41
• Billong Fils, P. E., et al, 2020, Ethnobotanical survey of wild edible plants used by Baka people in southeastern Cameroon. Journal or Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 16:64 p 9 (As Tetracarpidium conophorum)
• Burkill, H. M., 1985, The useful plants of west tropical Africa, Vol. 2. Kew.
• Busson, 1965,
• Dalziel, J. M., 1937, The Useful plants of west tropical Africa. Crown Agents for the Colonies London.

More from Euphorbiaceae

Muricococcum sinense

Beo bo

Neoshirakia japonica

Oligoceras eberhardtii

Omphalea oleifera

Omphalea papuana

Papua nuts

🌱

Ostodes sp.

Merenti