Dobera glabra

Dobera glabra
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Brassicales
Family:	Salvadoraceae
Genus:	Dobera
Species:	D. glabra
Binomial name
Dobera glabra (Forssk.) Juss. ex Poir.

Dobera glabra is an evergreen shrub or tree native to southern Ethiopia. It is particularly common in Nechisar National Park and along the Sagan River in the Konso special woreda. It is known to grow up to 10 meters in height.

It is well known to the local Konso people (who call it karsata) for growing new shoots, flowers, and seeds during dry weather. They use it as an indicator of potential famine and drought conditions. D. glabra produces edible fruits and the seed is considered a typical famine food. However, the fruits must be cooked for a long time (i.e. up to 24 hours), they have a bad smell, and excessive consumption causes stomach aches and other intestinal problems.^[1]

References

1. ^ Yves Guinand and Dechassa Lemessa, "Wild-Food Plants in Southern Ethiopia: Reflections on the role of 'famine-foods' at a time of drought" UN-OCHA Report, March 2000 (accessed 15 January 2009)