Scientific
name
Lannea
triphylla1
(A.Rich)
Engl., rivae (Chiov.) Sacleux
Family
Anacardiaceae
Local name(s)
Fachoka
(Agonia), Baaror, Anri, Anthri, Wankhri, Waanri (Somali)
General description
L. triphylla
is a deciduous spreading shrub or small tree to about 5m high. The branches
are flexible and the bark is fleshy, smooth, grey to dark grey on the surface.
The leaves are softly hairy, often divided into 3 leaflets. Flowers are of
cream colour, arranged in spikes. Fruits are dirty green, softly hairy,
turning dirty red on ripening. Seeds are red.
Edible part(s),
preparation methods and palatability
Roots
are edible. The roots become succulent and white after rains. They are then dug
out of the ground and eaten raw.
Its taste is sweet and succulent. No side effects have been mentioned
concerning its consumption. In Jana Mora interviewed farmers said that parent
are against children eating this wild root and that children do only so out of
boredom while herding. Mostly children and shepherds do collect and consume this
wild root. In Arba Zekuar the tree is popular with the locals, who dug out the
roots during the dry season. Fruits are also edible but are less important then
the roots.
Agroecology
Grows
in Ethiopia, Uganda, North-Eastern Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia and Arabia. In
Ethiopia found in lowlands of the Tekeze River water shed. Grows whenever there
is rain otherwise in the dry season without leaves. Grows on Acacia-Commifora
bushland, 300 - 1,400m. Common on red clay, sandy clay and in rocky areas.
Propagation
method(s)
Propagates by stem cuttings and probably by seeds
too.
Sample location(s)
(1)
Siska Kebele, Zequala Woreda (Wag Hamra); (2) Mekane Birhan Kebele, Jana Mora
Woreda (North Gonder), (3) Arba Zekuar, Belessa Woreda, (South Gonder), (4)
Kelafo (Somali Region)
Remarks
The
plant easily confused with L. rivae which it resembles in habit. The leaves are
a distinguishing feature. In Jana Mora Woreda, North Gonder, cattle eat the
leaves.
1Parts of the
following description have been taken from Maundu et al., 1999: p. 163 & 165
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