Marabou Thorn (Dichrostachys cinerea)

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

Dichrostachys cinerea or Marabou Thorn is a legume characterized by its two-coloured inflorescence native to Africa but can now be found in India, the Caribbean, and parts of Southeast Asia. It is semi-deciduous or deciduous tree covered with spines or thorns and usually grows about 7 m in height. The stems are often twisted and twined together. The fruit is edible; it is a narrow, yellow or brown seedpod that contains 4 small black seeds.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit. The fruit is a narrow, yellow or brown seedpod containing about 4 small black seeds. Seeds. — The fruit is a narrow, yellow or brown seedpod containing about 4 small black seeds.

Habitat & North American Range

Usually on poor, occasionally clayey soils, in brushwood, thickets, hedges, teak forest and grassland to elevations of 1,700 metres. Often forms widespread thickets by means of root suckers. (Zone 8)