African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa)

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

Parkia biglobosa or commonly known as African Locust Bean is a deciduous tree growing up to 20m in height and 130cm in bole diameter. The crown is umbrella-shaped, dense, and spreading. The bole is straight and cylindrical and the bark is thick and dark gray-brown. It has a deep taproot and lateral roots which spread up to 10m.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Flowers

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, yellow, farinaceous pulp surrounding the seeds. — The pods contain a sweet, yellow, farinaceous pulp surrounding the seeds.; This pulp can be eaten fresh or made into sweetmeats and drinks.; It contains up to 29% crude protein and up to 60% saccharose, is rich in vitamin C and high in oil content.; The pulp also yields a flour that is much used in parts of Africa.

Habitat & North American Range

Particularly found on areas such as farm woodland which are subject to semi-permanent cultivation, also open woodlands on savannahs, rocky slopes, stony ridges etc. (Zone 10)