African Peach

Nauclea latifolia

Physical Characteristics

Nauclea latifolia is a deciduous 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 Bees, Butterflies. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

West tropical Africa - Ghana to Gabon and DR Congo.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw[301 ]. The pulp is deep red, watery, sweet with a taste of ripe apple[307 ]. The fruit is said to resemble a strawberry in taste and texture[301 ]. The globose fruit is about 8cm in diameter[307 ]. Flower heads - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[46 , 301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antitussive Febrifuge Hypoglycaemic Used in the treatment of diabetes[303 , 307 ]. The root is febrifuge and tonic[46 ]. It is used in the treatment of fevers, indigestion[46 ]. The fruit is eaten as a cure for coughs[303 ]. The alkaloid strictosamine is obtained from the roots, leaves and stem bark[303 ]. Researchers have reported that Tramadol (an opioid pain medication) was found in relatively high concentrations (1%+) in the roots of the Nauclea latifolia. This is now reported to be the result of Tramadol being administered to cattle by farmers. Radiocarbon analysis has confirmed that tramadol could not be plant-derived and was of synthetic origin (wikipedia.org/wiki/Tramadol).

Known Hazards

None known