African Kino (Pterocarpus erinaceus)

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

A native to Sheila region of West Africa, African Kino (Pterocarpus erinaceus) grows about 11 m tall and 15 cm in trunk diameter. It is a dioecious tree with nitrogen-fixing capability and used as fodder for farm animals. The bark is dark and scaly. The bole is often straight and cylindrical but can be twisted and fluted if grown in poor conditions. The flowers are yellow and fruits are winged pods. The leaves and seeds are cooked and eaten.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Seeds - cooked. The seed needs to be thoroughly cooked in order to avoid emetic or intoxicating effects. — Leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable.; The seed needs to be thoroughly cooked in order to avoid emetic or intoxicating effects.

Habitat & North American Range

Open country, wooded savannah, woodland; also edges of dense humid forest; sometimes on shallow soils; gravelly and lateritic soils, often at foot of slopes; at elevations from 200 - 1,030 metres. (Zone 10)