Monkey Fruit

Dactyladenia barteri

Physical Characteristics

Dactyladenia barteri is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Red ants, Bees, Wasps. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western tropical Africa - Sierra Leone to Nigeria, south to Gabon and Congo.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Purgative The bark and roots are used medicinally as a purgative and against a variety of ailments[ 303 ].

Known Hazards

None known