Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga)

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

Tabernanthe iboga or Iboga is a perennial small shrub about 4 m in height and native to western Central Africa. The leaves are small and green. The flowers are white and pink. The fruits can be oval or round and orange in color. No plant part is edible but the plant is of medicinal importance. In particular, the root is hallucinogenic, aphrodisiac, febrifuge, and tonic.

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

Forest understorey, sometimes in riverine or swamp forest or relatively wet savannah, at elevations from sea-level to 1,500 metres. (Zone 10)