Cynanchum somaliense
(N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.
Apocynaceae Edible: Seeds, Fruit
gbif· cc-by-sa
Susan Brown
gbif· cc-by-sa
Susan Brown
gbif· cc-by-sa
Susan Brown
Description
A shrub. It grows 40 cm tall. It can be twining and to 4 m long. The leaf stalks are 1.5-5.5 cm long. The leaves are 3-8 cm long by 1.5-5 cm wide. The fruit are follicles 5-6 cm long by 1 cm wide.
Edible Uses
The immature wing of the fruit is eaten raw, particularly by children. The seeds and fruit are edible portions.
Traditional Uses
The immature wing of the fruit is eaten raw.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows between 300-1,500 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan,
Other Information
It is eaten mostly by children.
Notes
Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.
Synonyms
Cynanchum dentatum K. Schum.Cynanchum trifurcatum Schltr.Pentarrhinum somaliense (N. E. Br.) LiedeSchizostephanus somaliensis N. E. Br.
Also Known As
Guriso
References (2)
- Addis, G., et al, 2005, Ethnobotanical Study of Edible Wild Plants in Some Selected Districts of Ethiopia. Human Ecology, Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 83-118 (As Pentarrhinum somaliense)
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
