Bushman bean (Guibourtia coleosperma)

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

Guibourtia coleosperma is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. Traditionally, they are baked in hot ashes and then pounded - although they can be eaten at this stage, it is more common to mix them with water to form a paste and then cook them again. Fruit - cooked. — Traditionally, they are baked in hot ashes and then pounded - although they can be eaten at this stage, it is more common to mix them with water to form a paste and then cook them again.; The fruit (actually a fleshy aril) is easily removed from the seed by soaking for a few minutes in warm water.; The arils are used to make a soup.

Habitat & North American Range

Open forest with Isoberlinia, Brachystegia; in pure stands here and there; almost confined to deep Kalahari sand; at elevations from 750 - 1,400 metres. (Zone 10)