Parinari curatellifolia

Taxobox
name = "Parinari curatellifolia"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Malpighiales
familia = Chrysobalanaceae
genus = "Parinari"
species = "P. curatellifolia"
binomial = "Parinari curatellifolia"This is an evergreen tropical tree of Africa, found in various kinds of deciduous woodland most frequently in poorly drained areas and inland at moderate altitudes. It is also known as the 'Mobola Plum' after the fruit, which is considered tasty and causes the tree to be spared when woodland is cleared for cultivation. [Trees of Southern Africa, Coates Palgrave,K.,(1997), Struik Publishers]

It grows in the Guinea Savanna region of West Africa from Senegal across to Chad and then in seasonal woodland across the Equator through Kenya and the eastern side of the continent in deciduous Miombo woodland inland to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its southernmost reach is just outside the tropics in the South African Lowveld, about 25°S.

Appearance

Over its great range the tree varies a good deal in appearance. In areas with high rainfall (about 1000mm or more annually) it grows to its greatest size of about 20 to 22m with a crown around 20m across. The branches are heavy and may droop or grow erect, giving the tree an impressive shape. When rainfall is less it adopts a mushroom shape and usually grows up to 15m only. It can be locally common and at moderately high altitudes in south central Africa it is sometimes the dominant tree in the woodland in a type of closed woodland where the soil is very poorly drained and may be sodden for several months of the year.

Uses

A traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known fruit has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare. [cite book |authorlink= |author=National Research Council |editor= |others= |title=Lost Crops of Africa: Volume III: Fruits |origdate= |url=http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11879 |format= |accessdate=2008-07-25 |edition= |series=Lost Crops of Africa |volume=3 |date=2008-01-25 |publisher=National Academies Press |location= |isbn=978-0-309-10596-5 |oclc= |doi= |id= |pages= |chapter=Gingerbread Plums |chapterurl=http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11879&page=263 |quote= |ref= ] The wood is very hard and difficult to work but unfortunately is not durable and so is little used, although it makes good charcoal. However, the main value of the tree is the delicious fruit, which appears early in the dry season and can be harvested over 3 or more months. It is used a snack and the kernel has a high oil content. The crushed pulp of the fruit is an ingredient in drinks and since it ferments well, is often used to make alcoholic drinks as well [Know Your Trees, Storrs, A.E.G., (1979), Zambia Forest Department Publishers] .

References