Gnetum africanum Welw.

Gnetum africanum is a dioecious forest perrenial. Leaves ovate-oblong or elliptic-oblong, opposite and simple, more rarely lanceolate, attenuate at base, abruptly acuminate, 10-13 cm long, 3.5- 5 cm broad. The flowers of the male inflorescence are close together and evenly spaced. The spike is approximately the same diameter throughout its length. The female flowers have a close fitting utricle resembling an ovary: ovule otherwise naked, integument produced into a straight micropylar tube exserted through the orifices of the aril. Seed with copious endosperm. This lianoid species lacks fibre-tracheids characteristic of G. gnemon. However, tori are clearly present in tracheary elements of this species. In Africa, there are only two species, G.africanum and G. buchholzianum. The specific epithet africanum refers to its African origin. The plant is threatened with disappearance because of intensive gathering and cultural practices which are destroying the forests which support these plants. Possible introduction into farm systems is a step in the right direction in conserving this plant.

This is a dioecious plant with distinct differences in male and female inflorescence structure and size.

G. africanum is an endangered liane normally found in humid tropical forest understoreys. It extends in distribution from SE Nigeria, to Congo and as far as Angola in the south.

No deliberate planting attempts are reported since much of it is collected from the wild.

Has significant cultural value in traditional ceremonies.

Food: The leaves of this species are edible, as are those of other American and Asian Gnetum species. G. africanum holds an important place in the diets of many people in central Africa. In the Congo Gnetum consumption has been evaluated at 2g /capita. Women play a great role in the gathering and selling of the much relished leaves all year round. Commerce in Gnetum has increased considerably. A company, “Paysans Centrafricains” has exported leaves to Europe particularly France and Belgium. It is a significant source of protein (16.5% dry wt.) carbohydrates (70.6% dry wt.), essential amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine), non essential amino acids (aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid, proline,glycine, alanine, cysteine, tyrosine histidine and arginine) and mineral constituents i.e. macro and micro-elements (7.0% dry wt.). It can be eaten raw, but is generally added to meat and fish dishes after cooking time. The fruit and seeds are edible. Lipids: The leaf fat content in gnetum is significant, up to 14.20% (Okafor et al.1996.). Alcohol: The potential of African species to yield a potable sap as the Asian species is worth investigation. Medicine: The leaves are used to treat enlarged spleen, sore throat and also used as a cathartic. The plant provides an arrow poison antidote. In West Africa chopped leaves are used as a dressing on furuncles to hasten maturation. The stem is used in making preparations to ease childbirth. Other products: The supple stem is used in making traps for game catching and porterage straps.