Edible Parts: Fruit  Oil  Seed
Edible Uses: Gum  Oil

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.
Antidiarrhoeal  Antidiarrhoeal  Antirheumatic  Antitussive  Astringent  Diaphoretic  Dysentery  Emetic  
Febrifuge  Galactogogue  Laxative  Leprosy  Skin  Tonic  Vermifuge


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 ].

Containers  Dye  Fodder  Furniture  Gum  Ink  Mulch  Oil  Soil conditioner  Soil stabilization  Tannin  Wood

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

Carbon Farming  Food Forest