Scientific
name
Rhus natalensis1 (Krauss)
Family name
Anacardiaceae
Local name(s)
Kabutayita (Konsogna), Chakema/Takuma
(Amharic)
General description
It is a many-branched bush or tree
tending to scramble, up to 8 m in height. The bark is grey sometimes almost
white, branchlet pale and dotted with breathing pores, branches angular.
Leaves are dark green, leathery, trifoliate and obviate in shape where
the central leaflet is the largest. Fruits are oblong bean-shaped, smooth,
red with thin flesh and a waxy covering.
Edible part(s),
preparation methods and palatability
Fruit flesh is edible both in normal
times and when food shortage occurs. The fruits are available in September
and October.
Agroecology
Grows mostly in wooded savanna, on
forest edges in the lowlands and midlands (1600-2400 m).
Propagation
method(s)
Propagates by seeds and also has coppicing
characteristics.
Sample location(s)
Jarso Kebele, Konso
Remarks
Best forage for goats but also used
for firewood, charcoal, farm tools. The species has a medicinal component
(leaves) and the stems are used as local toothbrushes.
1 Parts of the following
description have been taken from Bekele-Tesemma et al., 1993: p. 390/391
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