| Lannea edulis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus: | Lannea |
| Species: | L. edulis |
| Binomial name | |
| Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. | |
| Synonyms [1] | |
| |
Lannea edulis is a small deciduous shrub that commonly occurs in East and Southern Africa, it belongs to the Anacardiaceae family.
It has leafy branches produced from underground rootstock (sub-shrub). Leaves are imparipinnately compound, with about 2-4 pairs of leaflets per pinnae; the leaf-blade is broadly ovate to oblong with a shiny and coriaceous surface, measuring about 9-20 cm long and 9-12 cm wide. [2] [3] Flowers are small, yellowish to cream colored and are produced on spikes or panicles near the ground, typically appearing before the leaves. The fruit is a berry that turns scarlet-purple when ripe. [2]
The species is endemic to parts of Angola, can also be found in East African countries like Tanzania and in Southern African. [4]
Root extracts are used in traditional medical practices by various communities; in Zambia it is used to treat problems associated with schistosomiasis, gonorrhea and diarrhea, in parts of South Africa, it is used to treat angina pectoris. [5]
Fruit is edible and eaten by locals.