Jointfir
A tropical plant. It grows in rainforest from sea level to 1,200 m altitude. It suits humid locations. It does best with a rainfall of 3,000 mm per year. It needs shade. Plants do not grow well in full sun.
Also known as:
Afang, Anoh, Ecole, Eru, Gelu, Ikoko, Ikokoh, Mokaka ko, Okazi, Okok, Ukasi
Synonyms
- Thoa buchholziana (Engl.) Doweld
Edible Portion
- Leaves, Fruit, Seeds, Nuts, Vegetable
Where does Jointfir grow?
Found in: Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo R, Nigeria, West Africa
Notes: There are about 28 Gnetum species.
Status: It is an important and commonly eaten vegetable. It is exported from Cameroon to Nigeria and other countries.
Growing Jointfir
Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed but seed may take one year to germinate. Leafy stem cuttings can be used. Plants need a framework to climb, preferably a tree to provide shade.
Edible Uses: The leaves are eaten raw or cooked. They are also added to sauces. The fruit and seeds are eaten. The leaves can be shredded and dried and stored for later use.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaves raw | 103 | 6 | 5.6 | - | 100 | - | 69.8 |
References
Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 40:519. 1908
Burkill, H. M., 1985, The useful plants of west tropical Africa, Vol. 2. Kew.
Busson, 1965,
Food Composition Tables for use in Africa FAO http://www.fao.org/infoods/directory No. 673
Grubben, G. J. H. and Denton, O. A. (eds), 2004, Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. p 304
Hoare A. L., 2007, The Use of Non-timber Forest Products in the Congo Basin. Constraints and Opportunities. Rainforest Foundation. p 21
Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 79
Martin, F.W. & Ruberte, R.M., 1979, Edible Leaves of the Tropics. Antillian College Press, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. p 193
Mercy, N. A., et al, 2016, Survey of Wild Vegetables in the Lebialem Highlands of South Western Cameroon. Journal of Plant Sciences 4(6): 172-184
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Okafor, J. C., Conservation and use of traditional vegetables from woody forest species in southeastern Nigeria. FAO
Okigbo, B.N., Vegetables in Tropical Africa, in Opena, R.T. & Kyomo, M.L., 1990, Vegetable Research and development in SADCC countries. Asian Vegetable Research and development Centre. Taiwan. p 38
Peters, C. R., O'Brien, E. M., and Drummond, R.B., 1992, Edible Wild plants of Sub-saharan Africa. Kew. p 7
Schippers, R.R., 2004. Gnetum buchholzianum Engl. [Internet] Record from Protabase. Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Editors). PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa), Wageningen, Netherlands. < http://database.prota.org/search.htm>. Accessed 16 October 2009.
Sunderland, T. C. H., et al, 2002, Distribution, Utilisation and Sustainability of the Non-timber forest products of the Takamanda Forest Reserve, Cameroon. PROFA
Terra, G.J.A., 1973, Tropical Vegetables. Communication 54e Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, p 49
USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/econ.pl (10 April 2000)
World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew