Platypterocarpus tanganyikensis

Dinkley & Brenan

Celastraceae Edible: Leaves - masticatory Potential hazards — see below

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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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Meise Botanic Garden

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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Description

A tree. It grows 27 m tall. The trunk is straight. The bark is grey with a reddish tinge. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are small and oval. They are 4-12 cm long by 3-5 cm wide.

Edible Uses

The leaves are chewed as a masticatory, similar to Catha edulis.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are chewed like Catha edulis.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Known Hazards

This species is very rare.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry mountain forest.

Where It Grows

Africa, East Africa, Tanzania,

Notes

There is only one Platypterocarpus species. It is very rare.

Also Known As

Mwandama-mghoshi

References (1)

Lovett, J. C. et al, Field Guide to the Moist Forest Trees of Tanzania. p 36

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