Jointfir

Gnetum buchholzianum

Physical Characteristics

Gnetum buchholzianum is an evergreen Climber growing to 10 m (32ft) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western tropical Africa - Nigeria to the Central African Republic, south to the Congo.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Root Sap Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Leaves - raw or cooked[332 ]. Wherever it occurs in Africa, the leaf is valued as a tasty vegetable, usually eaten finely shredded for addition to soup or made up into condiments, or even taken raw[332 ]. To soften this rather tough vegetable, people often mix it with waterleaf (Talinum triangulare)[299 ]. Shredded leaves can be dried and preserved for later use[299 ]. The leaves have a very high nutritional value and constitute an important source of protein, essential amino acids and mineral elements[401 ]. Leafy stems remain fresh for at least a week after harvesting[299 ]. The dry matter content of the fresh leaves is much higher than for other dark or medium green leaf vegetables. This gives a feeling of firmness during preparation, hence certain consumers consider the leaves as a substitute for meat[299 ]. The leaves of this species are somewhat thicker and darker green than those of the related Gnetum africanum[299 ]. Fruit pulp[332 ]. Seed[332 ]. The mature seed is 15 - 15mm long, enclosed in a somewhat drupaceous orange-tinted envelope. The tubers are sometimes eaten - especially at times of scarcity[401 ]. Climbing members of this genus growing in Asia yield a potable sap[332 ]. This species should also be looked at in this respect[332 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antibilious Antidermatosic Antidote Antihaemorrhoidal Cathartic Hypotensive The leaf is used in the treatment of enlarged spleen, sore throat, piles, high blood pressure and as a cathartic. It is eaten as a treatment against nausea and is considered antidotal against arrow-poison based on Parquetina nigrescens. The leaves are chewed to mitigate the effects of drunkenness and they are taken as an enema against constipation. Applied externally, the chopped-up leaf serves as a dressing on warts and boils to hasten maturation. The stem is cut up into small pieces and infused to produce a tisane that is taken to ease childbirth and reduce the pain.

Known Hazards

None known