Mbola, Grys Appel

Parinari curatellifolia

Physical Characteristics

Parinari curatellifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Tropical Africa - Senegal to Kenya, south to northern SW. Africa, Botswana and the Transvaal.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Seed Edible Uses: Drink Oil Fruit - raw or cooked[398 ]. It has a dry but delicious flesh[307 ]. A strawberry-like flavour[46 ]. Somewhat astringent, it is one of the best wild fruits of the area[308 ]. It has a pleasant taste when it has been stored for a few days until it is thoroughly ripe[308 , 466 ]. The fruits can be pounded with water and the liquid obtained thickened with flour to make a gruel known as 'phala la maula'[466 ]. A soft drink is prepared by peeling ripe fruits and soaking them in warm water[398 ]. A nice jam can be made from the fruit[398 ]. The russet-yellow, ovoid fruit is 3 - 5cm in diameter[307 ]. It has a high content of protein and vitamin C[418 ]. The seeds make an excellent substitute for almonds[308 ]. Often roasted[335 ]. They can be pounded and used in making soup[418 ]. The seeds contain about 40% oil (70% in the kernels)[325 ]. It is extracted and used for cooking[325 , 398 ]. The seeds are dried, roasted, crushed, boiled in water, left to cool and the oil skimmed off[398 ].

Medicinal Uses

Febrifuge Mouthwash Skin Vitamin C The root is highly valued for its medicinal properties[307 ]. An infusion of the roots is used to treat toothache[325 ]. A hot fomentation of the bark is used in the treatment of pneumonia[418 ]. A leaf decoction is either drunk or used in a bath as a remedy for fevers[418 ]. The crushed or pulped leaves are used in a dressing for fractures or dislocations, and for wounds, sores and cuts[418 ].

Known Hazards

None known