Strychnos madagascariensis – Famine Foods

Strychnos madagascariensis

Uses

Zimbabwe: fruit pulp is fire-, or sun-dried, for use in periods of food shortage. Mozambique (Macossa and Tamara districts): Ripe fruits, which have fallen on the ground are collected, cracked open and the pulp eaten raw. The pulp and seeds may also be dried by placing them on a rack, over hot coals. Drying this way may take two to three days. When dry, the pulp is separated from the seeds and the seeds cracked open. The pulp is pounded [to a powder?] and eaten immediately or kept for up to a few weeks. In the Macossa district village of Chatora, the seeds are sun-dried and then cracked open. The pulp [is dried?] and pounded into a powder that is mixed with honey. The powder may also be eaten alone, without honey. Muteme.

Additional Information

Name Authority:
Poir.
Vernaculars:
Mozambique ((Manyika/Shona): Kwakwa, M’nteme, Munteme
Misc:
Chemical composition [of edible fruit]: Protein = 11.5%/100g.Fat = 6.0%/100g. Total carbohydrate = 61%/100g. Phosphorus = 2106mcg/100g. Calcium = 60mcg/100g. Iron = 60mcg/100g.

 Plant Classification Group:
 Plant Locations:
 Plant References:

Location Map

This site is provided to Mr. Freedman by Dr. Jules Janick, Emeritus Professor and Former James Troop Distinguished Professor of Horticulture. The content on this site is provided and maintained by Mr. Freedman.