Bannia (Swartzia bannia)

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

Swartzia bannia is a shrub or tree commonly found in Northern South America. Its bole has no buttress and can be branchless for up to 10 m. It has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria that form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. It is not edible but its bark can be boiled with water as relief from diarrhea. The wood is of high quality - in fact known as one of the most dense and strongest wood.

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

Savannah forests and dry sand savannahs. Savannah and dry evergreen formations and high forests. (Zone 10)