Zanthoxylum paracanthum

(Mildbr.) Kokwaro

Rutaceae Edible: Leaves

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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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MBG

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MBG

Description

A shrub or small tree. It can grow 10 m tall. The branches are smooth and dull red. There are thick spines 3-11 mm long. The leaves are 15-37 cm long. They have a lemon scent. They have prickles. The leaves have 11-23 leaflets. These are 5-13 cm long by 2-4 cm wide.

Edible Uses

The leaves are eaten.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in evergreen forest and can be along rivers. It grows between 100-1,500 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania,

Notes

It contains alkaloids that reduce some mosquito larvae.

Synonyms

Fagara paracantha Mildbr.

Also Known As

Mlega mguda

References (3)

Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 77 (As Fagara paracantha)
Martin, F.W. & Ruberte, R.M., 1979, Edible Leaves of the Tropics. Antillian College Press, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. p 217 (As Fagara paracantha)
Lyimo, M., et al, 2003, Identification and nutrient composition of indigenous vegetables of Tanzania. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 58: 85-92