Eru (Gnetum africanum)

Family: Gnetaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Eru or Gnetum africanum is an evergreen, perennial, shade-tolerant vine with woody stems of up to 12 m or more that twine from a tuberous rootstock. The narrowly oval leaves are papery-like and in groups of three and the branches are thickened at the nodes. Eru is mainly found in many parts in Africa where it is regarded as a very popular and highly valued vegetable. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. Wherever it occurs in Africa, the leaf is valued as a tasty vegetable, usually eaten finely shredded for addition to soup or made up into condiments, or even taken raw. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Wherever it occurs in Africa, the leaf is valued as a tasty vegetable, usually eaten finely shredded for addition to soup or made up into condiments, or even taken raw.; To soften this rather tough vegetable, people often mix it with waterleaf (Talinum triangulare).; Shredded leaves can be dried and preserved for later use.

Habitat & North American Range

Understorey layer of humid tropical rainforests, mostly at the periphery of primary forest and in secondary forest. Thrives in a wide range of habitats, including farm fallows or abandoned farmland, secondary forests, and closed forest. (Zone 10)