Erythrococca africana
(Baill.) Prain
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Description
A tropical shrub or small tree reaching about 3 m high, native to deciduous and secondary forests in West Africa, often found along riverbanks. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family.
Edible Uses
The leaves are used as a flavoring and vegetable. They are traditionally dried and powdered to help tenderize meat.
Traditional Uses
The leaves help tenderise meat. The leaves are dried and powdered.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The powdered dry leaves are taken with food as a mild laxative. The crushed leaves are applied to whitlow.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in deciduous and secondary forests in West Africa. It grows along river banks.
Where It Grows
Africa, Benin, Central Africa, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, West Africa,
Notes
There are only a few Erythrococca species. They are in Africa.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Budelemi, Gyigyam forowa
References (4)
- Burkill, H. M., 1985, The useful plants of west tropical Africa, Vol. 2. Kew.
- Grubben, G. J. H. and Denton, O. A. (eds), 2004, Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. p 299
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Zon, A.P.M. van der, Grubben, G.J.H., 1976, Les legumes-feuilles spontanes et cultives du Sud-Dahomey, Communication 65, Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, p 63
