Pygeum (Prunus africana)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Prunus africana or otherwise known as Pygeum is a fast-growing, evergreen canopy tree about 30-40 m in height. It has a spreading, spherical crown and bole that is up to 1 m in diameter. It also has alternate leaves that are simple, long, elliptical, and dark green. The flowers are greenish-white and the fruits are purple. Its bark is black to brown in color, rough, and a popular remedy for enlarged prostate.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Upland rain-forest, montane and riverine forests; moist evergreen forest; on termitaria in Brachystegia woodland; edge of dry gallery forest; mixed Podocarpus latifolius forest with Olea capensis subsp. hochstetteri, Zyzygium, etc. (Zone 10)