Delonix edulis
(H. Perrier) Babineau & Bruneau
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(c) mamy_andriamahay, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaDelonix edulis (Malagasy:Tara) is a species of edible wild plant native to southwest Madagascar. The plant grows in semi-arid tropical zones with annual rainfall less than 400 mm, from sea level up to 100 meters elevation. The plant is classified in subfamily Caesalpinioideae of family Fabaceae. The scientific synonym Lemuropisum edule means edible lemur's pea. The species is currently under investigation as a potential nut crop in Western Australia.
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 6 m tall. The leaves are alternate and are compound. They have 1-4 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oval to round and 4-6 mm long. The pod hangs down and is 20-30 cm long by 2 cm wide. It is dented between the seed. The seeds are oval to kidney shaped and 2.5 cm long by 1.5 cm wide.
Edible Uses
The fruit and seeds are eaten; the bitter outer coat is removed from the seeds before consumption.
Traditional Uses
It is used for food and drink. The bitter outer coat is removed from the seeds.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in semi-arid regions up to 500 m above sea level. It is often on limestone escarpments.
Where It Grows
Africa, Madagascar*,
Notes
It is an endangered species.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Tara
References (4)
- Babineau M. & A. Bruneau (2017). Phylogenetic and biogeographical history of the Afro-Madagascan genera Delonix, Colvillea and Lemuropisum (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae). Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 184(1): 72
- Kew Plants of the World Online
- PROTA (As Lemuriopsis)
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
