Fruit - raw or cooked[398 ]. The pulp surrounding the seed is eaten, it has a sweet flavour and is eaten mainly by children and travellers[398 ]. The brown pod is cracked open, the seeds removed, and the pulp eaten as a snack or as emergency food[398 ]. It is normally only eaten in small amounts[398 ]. The fruits are collected in large quantities during famine periods. They are then pounded and the powder soaked in water, the liquid stirred and drunk[398 ]. The flat, brown, woody pods are 15 - 20cm long. They persist on the tree but eventually decay on the ground to free the pea-sized seeds[398 ]. Tender young leaves - raw or cooked[303 , 617 ]. Chewed to relieve thirst[303 ]. The leaves are very occasionally eaten as a cooked vegetable[617 ]. The leaves are sometimes cooked in water, then the water is used for cooking millet[774 ]. Carbon Farming - Staple Crop: balanced carb.

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.


Tender leaves are chewed and the juice swallowed to treat stomach-ache, coughs and snakebite[398 ]. The ash obtained from burnt leaves is rubbed into snakebite wounds after scarification in order to hasten healing[398 ]. The leaves are combined with those of mpandanjobvu and the liquid used to relieve the inflammation from sore eyes[466 ]. The roots are used to treat prolonged menstruation, haemorrhage and miscarriage in women and also for the treatment of coughs, colds, body pain and STDs[398 ]. An infusion of the root, combined with the root of the wild cow pea (Vigna sp.), is said to be a contraceptive[466 ]. It is drunk for seven consecutive days during which time no intercourse is allowed[466 ]. An infusion of the bark is used to treat coughs, colds, chest pains and snakebite[398 ]. An infusion of the bark is used for the cure of an infection of the gums called ciseye[466 ].

Agroforestry Uses: A pioneer species within its native area, where it tends to colonize clearings and fallows[375 ]. Since it is a legume, and fixes atmospheric nitrogen, it might be a useful species to use when restoring woodland or setting up a woodland garden[K ]. A deep rooting species that produces considerable amounts of leaf litter, it can be used in soil protection initiatives. The use of the leaf litter as a mulch enhances soil fertility because the leaves decompose slowly[303 ]. The tree competes very little with maize if left in fields and pollarded to reduce shade[303 ]. Other Uses A fibre from the inner bark is used to make string, ropes and cloth[303 , 398 , 466 , 774 ]. A red-brown dye can be obtained from the macerated bark[303 , 774 ]. A blue dye can be obtained from the seeds and pods[303 , 774 ]. A black dye is obtained from the roasted seed[774 ]. The bark contains up to 18% tannins[303 , 774 ]. The roots are a source of tannins[303 ]. The inner bark is said to contain a gum that sweels in water and so can be used for caulking boats etc[303 , 774 ]. The unripe seedpods are used as a soap substitute[303 , 466 ]. The ashes of the plant are used for making soap[303 , 774 ]. The seeds contain oil[466 ]. No more information is given[K ]. The heartwood is pinkish to dark brown; the sapwood is light brown. The wood is straight-grained. It is used for poles, grain mortars, tool handles, spoons and bedsteads[303 , 398 ]. The wood is used for fuel[303 , 398 ]. Carbon Farming - Agroforestry Services: nitrogen. Fodder: pod.

Special Uses