Description
A tall forest tree recognized by its distinctive four-winged, sausage-shaped seed pods, valued as a spice and medicinal plant across West Africa.
Medicinal Uses
The fruit is used to cleanse the digestive system, relieve back pain, and speed childbirth; decoctions treat asthma, diabetes, intestinal worms, and malaria.
Food Uses
The fragrant fruit is used to season dishes such as pepper soup and banga soup.
Ritual / Cultural Uses
In parts of Nigeria the fruit is traditionally burned or hung in the home after childbirth to fumigate the room and protect mother and baby; a Tiv-specific practice was not independently confirmed.
Cultivation
A forest tree, often retained in farmland and homesteads for its valued fruit.
