Scientific
name
Berchemia discolor1 (Klotzsch)
Hemsley
Family name
Rhamnaceae
Local name(s)
Qanantab (Konsogna), Jajaba (Oromiffa),
Jejeba (Amharic), Deen, Dheen-den ro'o, Kor'guba (Somali),
Wild almond (English)
General description
It is a
semi-deciduous tree reaching 10 to 18 m with erect spreading branches making a
heavy rounded crown. The bark is greyish-brown, reticulately fissured. Leaves
are shiny dark green, sticky at early stage and oval with the widest part
towards the apex. The flowers are small yellow-green, with 5 floral parts. The
tree flowers in March. The fruits are oblong and yellow about 2 cm long with 1-2
flat seeds.
Edible part(s),
preparation methods and palatability
Fruits
and gum edible. Seeds are embedded in sweet flesh that is consumed even in
normal times. When soaked in water over-night the solution collected is very
much liked by people. The fruit can also be boiled to be eaten with sorghum. In
certain areas people use the leaves of the wild almond tree to make tea.
The fruits are also sold on the market.
Agroecology
The
species is wide spread from the Sudan to South Africa and grows in dry open
woodland, semi-arid bushland and along riverbanks. Commonly in Welo, Shewa, Gamo
gofa, Bale and Hararge. Common in dry and moist kola agroclimatic zones (0 -
1,600m).
Propagation
method(s)
Propagates
by seeds, root suckers. Directly sown
seeds germinate easily.
Sample location(s)
(1) Jarso Kebele, Konso; (2) Gobele
Valley, Midega Kebele, Fedis Wereda (East Hararghe)
Remarks
The species is multipurpose and is
used for construction, furniture, bee forage, fodder, ornamental, for resin
and for shade. The powdered heartwood and the roots can be used to produce
a black dye that is used by basket makers.
A similar species
Berchemia zeyheri with edible fruits is found in Zimbawe, South Africa
and Mozambique.
1 Parts of the following
description have been taken from Bekele-Tesemma et al., 1993: p. 106/107 and
Maundu et al., 1999: p. 74
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