Thespesia garckeana
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| Thespesia garckeana F.Hoffm.(Exell & Hillc.) |
Thespesia garckeana (also known by its synonym Azanza garckeana) is a tree in the family Malvaceae, found throughout the warmer parts of Southern Africa in wooded grasslands, open woodland and thickets. It grows naturally over a range of altitudes from 1000 to 2000 m above sea level, from semi-arid areas to areas of higher rainfall. T. garckeana is often found on or near termite mounds in old fields.
Common names: African Chewing Gum, Snot Apple, Tree Hibiscus, Mutohwe (Shona)
[edit] Uses
- The whole fruit except the seeds is chewed like gum, producing a sweet glutinous slime. The fruit is also used as a syrup and soup.
- The sap wood is yellow and the heart wood is a deep brown. It is easily worked but generally only suitable for small building needs, tool handles, oxen yokes, and domestic items such as spoons.
- The leaves of T. garckeana have many uses including green manure and mulch. The leaves also provide an often used fodder.
