Category: African plants

According to reputable sources, the fruit of the African wild olive, or *Olea africana*, is indeed edible. This hardy, evergreen tree, known scientifically as *Olea europaea subsp. africana* or *Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata*, produces small, purple-black olives that are consumed by both humans and wildlife.

A study published in the *Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research* confirmed the presence of several bioactive compounds in *Garcinia kola*. These **phytochemicals in bitter kola** are responsible for its distinctive taste and numerous applications in traditional West African medicine, sparking significant scientific interest.

According to a 2022 WHO report, a substantial portion of the world's population relies on herbal medicine, with many in Africa turning to traditional plants for managing chronic conditions like diabetes. This has sparked international interest in understanding the scientific validity behind these indigenous remedies.