Tag: African plants

Globally recognized for its nutritional and medicinal properties, the moringa tree holds significant cultural importance in Nigeria. When exploring what is moringa leaf called in Yoruba, one discovers names that reflect its prized status as a powerful, beneficial plant.

While many of Africa's fruits provide vital nutrition, a significant number of species contain powerful toxins if consumed improperly, as noted in numerous studies. The most renowned poisonous African fruit is arguably the ackee, infamous for causing a severe metabolic illness when consumed unripe.

Native to the Kalahari Desert, the spiny succulent Hoodia gordonii has been traditionally used by the indigenous San people to stave off hunger during long hunting expeditions. This unique heritage has led to its promotion as a natural dietary supplement for appetite suppression and weight loss in many Western countries. However, its effectiveness and safety are a subject of much debate in the scientific community.

The Kigelia africana, or sausage tree, produces large, woody, sausage-shaped fruits, leading many to wonder about their edibility. While these dramatic fruits are a food source for African wildlife like elephants and baboons, the raw and unripe fruit is highly poisonous to humans.