Seed - raw, roasted or boiled as a vegetable[418 ]. A sour flavour when eaten fresh or dried, but they have a sweetish, agreeable, chestnut-like taste after roasting[299 ]. The seeds may also be boiled for a sweet liquor[418 ]. The size of a large filbert with a smooth consistency and a delicious chestnut-like flavour[301 , 418 ]. Nutritious[301 ]. The seed has a thin, easily broken shell[63 ]. The carbohydrate and protein content of the seeds is lower than in pulses and other legumes, but they are richer in sugars and fats, hence providing a balanced diet and high energy[303 ]. The seeds have been mentioned as a coffee substitute[299 ]. An infusion of the leaves is used as a tea substitute[299 , 301 , 324 , 418 ].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Cordeauxiaquinone, a substance found in the leaves and other parts of the plant, is used medicinally to stimulate haemopoensis[303 ]. Cordeauxia edulis is said to regulate gastric secretion and to permit treatment of ulcers due to hot food. It is also believed to alleviate anaemia by augmenting the number of red blood cells[299 ].

The plant contains cordeauxiaquinone, a brilliant red dye which is unknown elsewhere in the plant kingdom[324 , 418 ]. Cordeauxiaquinone produces fast, insoluble dyes with some metals and is used as a mordant in dyeing factories[324 ]. The bones of animals that browse the plant become pink due to the cordeauxiaquinone[324 ]. A substance between liquid oil and fat, less pleasant than olive oil but useful for soap making, is extracted from it[303 ]. I assume it is extracted from the seed[K ]. The seed oil is useful for soap making[299 ]. The wood is used for firewood[324 , 418 ]. A hard wood, it burns well even when still wet[303 ].

Special Uses