Seed - raw or cooked[46 , 303 ]. The almond-flavoured seeds can be eaten out of hand or roasted[301 ]. They can be chopped and added to cookies, bread mixes, dessert fillings, sweets, soups and stews[301 ]. The seed contains about 50% oil[63 ]. The seed is 3 - 4 cm long, 3 - 5 mm thick and enclosed in a thick shell that is difficult to crack[63 , 324 ]. The seeds are a rich source of zinc[658 ]. The seeds yield 38 - 54% of a colourless, bland tasting yellow semi-drying oil that is used in cooking[46 , 301 ]. Rather similar to almond oil, but less prone to become rancid[63 , 301 , 345 , 451 ]. The fruits have a tender skin and a thin layer of subacid juicy flesh[301 ]. It is often fibrous and not very tasty in spite of the pleasant smell[303 ]. The sweetish, fibrous flesh is palatable when very young, and is usually liked by children[307 ].

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.


Various parts of the tree, such as the leaves and fruit, contain tannins and are astringent[303 , 459 ]. The leaves, crushed with Dacrydium elatum and rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus, are combined to treat dysentery[303 ]. The red leaves act as a vermifuge, while the sap of young leaves, cooked with oil from the kernel, is used to treat leprosy[303 ]. The juice of the leaves is ingested for coughs[311 ]. An infusion of the leaves is used to treat jaundice[311 ]. The leaves are used to treat indigestion[311 ]. The young leaves are used to cure headaches and colic[303 ]. Externally, the leaves may be rubbed on breasts to cure pain or, when heated, may be applied to numb parts of the body[303 ]. They may be used as a dressing for swollen rheumatic joints[303 ]. The leaves, applied to the head and sides, are refreshing and sudorific[582 ]. Leaves, bark and fruit are used to treat yaws[303 ]. The bark and root bark are useful for bilious fever, diarrhoea, thrush, and as a remedy for sores and abscesses[303 , 311 ]. The fluid from the bark is used to treat diabetes and as a tonic[311 ]. An infusion of the bark is used to treat stomach ache and also as an emetic for infants[311 ]. Externally, the bark is used to treat sores, pimples and fungal skin diseases[311 ]. The kernel of the fruit mixed with beeswax stops putrid exudation and bloody faeces. It is recommended as a mild laxative and a galactagogue for women, but too frequent use causes diarrhoea[303 ].

Seaside tree. Public open space. Xerophytic. Agroforestry Uses: The tree's vast root system binds together both sands and poor soils. It has a heavy leaf fall and so is a good provider of mulch for the protection of the soil[303 ]. It is a promising species for the reforestation of sandy areas[303 ]. Planting the tree can help eradicate Imperata cylindrica and other unwanted aggressive grasses[303 ]. Other Uses The trunk is a source of gum[303 ]. The oil from the seed is used for making soap, but its industrial use is limited by the difficulty in extracting the kernel[324 ]. Bark, leaves, roots and fruit are all important sources of tannin with the astringent bark containing 9 - 23% tannin[46 , 303 ]. The outer shell is also rich in tannin. It is used in leather preparation and as a base for inks; sometimes the roots and fruits are used for the same purposes[303 ]. A black dye that is used to make ink is extracted from the bark and fruit[146 , 307 ]. A yellow-green dye is obtained from the leaves[307 ]. The trunk is a source of yellow and black dye[303 ]. Wood chips soaked in water give a yellow colour[721 ]. A black dye is obtained from the fruit[46 ]. The heartwood varies from light to dark brown to reddish brown, and often with irregular darker and lighter belts; it is not clearly demarcated from the lighter coloured sapwood. The texture is fine to coarse, the grain crossed and often curly and twisted. The wood is moderately hard; moderately heavy; strong and pliable; somewhat durable, but very susceptible to termite damage. It seasons well and works easily. A good quality timber, it is used for cabinet wook, furniture and for the construction of buildings, boats, bridges, floors, panelling, boxes, crates, planks, carts, wheelbarrows, barrels and water troughs[146 , 303 , 307 , 451 , 459 , 721 ].

Special Uses