Jointfir (Gnetum buchholzianum)

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

Jointfir or Gnetum buchholzianum is an evergreen climbing woody shrub growing about 10m or more from a tuberous rootstock. The dark green leaves are opposite, with narrowly oval leaf blades, rounded base, and 4-8 pairs of strongly curved veins. The branches thickened at the nodes. Jointir is commonly found in western tropical Africa where it is highly valued as a leaf vegetable. The leaves are eaten raw or cooked, or added to sauces.

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

The understorey layer of humid tropical rainforests. Thrives in a wide range of habitats, including farm fallows or abandoned farmland, secondary forests, and closed forest. (Zone 10)