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Tylophora sylvatica

Decne

Apocynaceae Edible: Leaves

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MBG

gbif· cc-by-nc-sa

MBG

gbif· cc-by-nc-sa

MBG

Description

A slender twiner or creeper. The leaves are spreading. The leaf blade is 1-15 cm long and 2.5-8 cm wide. The flowers are in groups 12-15 cm long. The flowers are small and brownish-purple. The fruit are follicles 6-9 cm long. They are sword shaped and smooth. There are 4 seeds about 1 cm long.

Edible Uses

The leaves are eaten.

Medicinal Uses

The plant is used in traditional medicine.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in thickets and secondary jungle.

Where It Grows

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, West Africa, Zambia,

Notes

There are about 50 Tylophora species. It is used in medicine.

Nutrition

PartMoisturekJkcalProteinVit AVit CIronZinc
Leaves76.81.318.60.8

Synonyms

Tylophora bojeriana DecneVincetoxicum sylvaticum (Decne) Kuntze

References (3)

  • Fowler, D. G., 2007, Zambian Plants: Their Vernacular Names and Uses. Kew. p 76
  • Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 108 (As silvatica)
  • Martin, F.W. & Ruberte, R.M., 1979, Edible Leaves of the Tropics. Antillian College Press, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. p 178

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