Family name
Anacardiaceae

Local name(s)
Kabutayita (Konsogna), Chakema/Takuma (Amharic)

General description
It is a many-branched bush or tree tending to scramble, up to 8 m in height. The bark is grey sometimes almost white, branchlet pale and dotted with breathing pores, branches angular. Leaves are dark green, leathery, trifoliate and obviate in shape where the central leaflet is the largest. Fruits are oblong bean-shaped, smooth, red with thin flesh and a waxy covering.

Edible part(s), preparation methods and palatability
Fruit flesh is edible both in normal times and when food shortage occurs. The fruits are available in September and October.

Agroecology
Grows mostly in wooded savanna, on forest edges in the lowlands and midlands (1600-2400 m).

Propagation method(s)
Propagates by seeds and also has coppicing characteristics.

Sample location(s)
Jarso Kebele, Konso

Remarks
Best forage for goats but also used for firewood, charcoal, farm tools. The species has a medicinal component (leaves) and the stems are used as local toothbrushes.
 
 

¹ Parts of the following description have been taken from Bekele-Tesemma et al., 1993: p. 390/391