Griffonia (Griffonia simplicifolia)

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

Griffonia simplicifolia is an evergreen shrub or large climbing plant that is hard-wooded and with short strong woody tendrils commonly found in west tropical Africa specifically in Liberia to Nigeria, Gabon, and Congo. It grows about 3 m in height. The leaves of this species are used in the production of palm wine while the sap from the stems can be drunk to quench thirst. Medicinally, the pulped bark can be applied to syphilitic sores.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The leaves are used in the production of palm wine, and give the wine a bitter taste. Sap that exudes from cut stems can be drunk to quench thirst. Use: The stems are baked and chewed. — The leaves are used in the production of palm wine, and give the wine a bitter taste.; Sap that exudes from cut stems can be drunk to quench thirst.; Use: The stems are baked and chewed.

Habitat & North American Range

Grass savannah; coastal plains on termite mounds; scrub thickets; climber in secondary and gallery forests. (Zone 10)