Camwood (Baphia nitida)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Camwood (Baphia nitida), otherwise known as African sandalwood or barwood, is a leguminous, shrubby, hard-wooded, erect small tree native to central west Africa. It grows up to 10 m tall and 45cm across and is usually planted as an ornamental shade tree or hedge. The bark and heartwood are great sources of a high-quality red dye used to dye raffia and cotton textiles. Camwood is also used as a medicinal plant.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible portion: Seeds. The seeds are edible. — Edible portion: Seeds.; The seeds are edible.

Habitat & North American Range

An understorey tree in wetter parts of the coastal regions, in a rainforest, in secondary forest and on abandoned farmland, from sea level up to 600 metres. (Zone 10)