Capparaceae FAMILY

Boscia senegalensis

Edibility

4/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

The seed is poisonous and has to be carefully leached in order to remove the toxic principle prior to consumption[ 1294 Title Potential of Australian Acacias in combating hunger in semi-arid lands Publication Conservation Science W. Aust. 4 (3):161-169 (2002) Author Rinaudo A.; Patel P.; Thomson L.A.J. Publisher Year 2002 ISBN Description ].

Botanical Description

Boscia senegalensis is an evergreen shrub or tree that can vary considerably in size according to habitat. In extreme aridity it shrinks to a scrawny shrub less than 2 metres tall, but in favourable environments it soars several times that height and becomes almost tree-like with a rounded, spreading crown[ 323 Title Lost Crops of Africa. Vol. 3 Fruits. Publication Author Publisher National Academy Press Year 2008 ISBN 030910596X Description Masses of information on about 70 species of plants that have been utilized as fruits in Africa. ]. An important local food plant in the regions where the plant grows wild, since it is capable of surviving even in the harshest of arid environments. It is widely exploited for its fruits and seeds, whilst also providing medicines and a source of materials. The plant is also widely used as a repellent to protect stored food from pests and is planted in soil protection schemes[ 323 Title Lost Crops of Africa. Vol. 3 Fruits. Publication Author Publisher National Academy Press Year 2008 ISBN 030910596X Description Masses of information on about 70 species of plants that have been utilized as fruits in Africa. ]. The fruits are commonly sold in local markets[ 303 Title World Agroforesty Centre Publication Author Website http://www.worldagroforestry.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeAfrica - Senegal and Mauritania east through the Sahel to Egypt, Somalia and Kenya.

HabitatIt occupies most types of arid-land environment including stony slopes, sand dunes, and cracking-clay plains[ 323 Title Lost Crops of Africa. Vol. 3 Fruits. Publication Author Publisher National Academy Press Year 2008 ISBN 030910596X Description Masses of information on about 70 species of plants that have been utilized as fruits in Africa. ]. It often occurs in desiccated, barren, hard, and even fire-scorched sites[ 323 Title Lost Crops of Africa. Vol. 3 Fruits. Publication Author Publisher National Academy Press Year 2008 ISBN 030910596X Description Masses of information on about 70 species of plants that have been utilized as fruits in Africa. ]. It often sprouts directly out of termite mounds[ 323 Title Lost Crops of Africa. Vol. 3 Fruits. Publication Author Publisher National Academy Press Year 2008 ISBN 030910596X Description Masses of information on about 70 species of plants that have been utilized as fruits in Africa. ].