Secamone afzelii
(Roem. & Schult.) K. Schum.
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Description
A small woody climber. It can grow 12 m long. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are 2-6 cm long by 1-2 cm wide.
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Edible Uses
The leaves are eaten.
Medicinal Uses
It is used as medicine.
Known Hazards
Although taken internally for medical reasons, there is evidence that the plant is poisonous. Drinking an infusion of the leaves can cause vomiting and convulsions, followed sometimes even by death.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in woodland and savannah. It can be in palm groves and along rivers.
Where It Grows
Africa, Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, West Africa,
Cultivation
Plants are grown from seeds.
Other Uses
A Shien name in Ivory Coast meaning ‘cord of the tortoise’ suggests that the thin flexible stems are used to make some sort of fibre or binding material. All parts of the plant contain latex. No uses are mentioned.
Notes
It is used as medicine.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Manara, Manar-bale, M'bal, Po-de-malila, Porecududu
References (3)
- Achigan-Dako, E, et al (Eds), 2009, Catalogue of Traditional Vegetables in Benin. International Foundation for Science.
- Dansi, A., et al, 2008, Traditional leafy vegetables and their use in the Benin Republic. Genet Resour Crop Evol (2008) 55:1239–1256
- PROTA
