Strelitzia augusta

Thunb.

Great white strelitzia

Strelitziaceae Edible: Seeds 9,413 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

iNaturalist· cc-by-sa

Description

A tree that can have one or several trunks. It grows 10 m high. The trunk is spiny and woody. It is covered with old leaf bases. It has a fan like canopy of leaves. The leaves are very large and like banana leaves. These break into feather like strips. They are shiny and leathery and have thick leaf stalks. The flowers are like the head of a bird. They are white on top and purple below. The fruit is a woody capsule which has 3 lobes. It contains many seeds.

Edible Uses

The seeds are eaten.

Distribution

A tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland,

Notes

There are 4-5 Strelitzia species. They grow in South Africa.

Synonyms

Strelitzia alba

Also Known As

Wild banana

References (3)

Dharani, N., 2002, Field Guide to common Trees & Shrubs of East Africa. Struik. p 166
Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 48
Nov. gen. pl. 7:113. 1792 - an illegitimate, superfluous name (ICBN Art. 52)