Avodire (Turraeanthus africanus)

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

Avodira, Turraeanthus africanus, is a large, evergreen tree that grows up to 35 m in height and 120 cm in diameter in Western Africa. It has a heavy, dark green, and spreading crown and its irregularly shaped bole can be unbranched for 10-15 m. The bark and leaves are used as fish poison. Medicinally, the plant is used in the treatment of cough, fever, headache, epilepsy, filariasis, hernia, etc. It is also used as an abortifacient.

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

An understorey to canopy tree in lowland evergreen forest and moist semideciduous forest, often in humid localities along streams and on the margins of poorly drained meadows and swamps; occasionally to 1,500 metres. (Zone 10)