Common Name:

General Information

Citropsis articulata is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing from 2.5 - 7 metres tall. The bole, which can be around 23cm in diameter, is usually branched from the base[]. The branches are armed with thorns that are 5 - 25mm long[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for its edible fruit and medicinal uses. It has acquired a high reputation for treating impotence and is often gathered from the wild and the root traded. The plant has also been recommended for use as an ornamental[].
The plant seems to be endangered by extinction in Uganda where the root is considered aphrodisiac and is commonly harvested from the wild[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - Ghana to DR Congo and Uganda.

Habitat

Rain-forest; dry (semi-)deciduous and secondary forests; forest edges; along rivers, at elevations from 480 - 1,550 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are said to be able to tolerate at least occasional light frosts[].
Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a fertile, moist but well-drained soil[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The tangerine-like fruits have a typically sweet orange-like flavour[].

Medicinal

The bark is used medicinally[].

The root is aphrodisiac[]. It is claimed by some to be the herbal equivalent of 'Viagra'[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - rather slow to germinate, but usually coming relatively true to their parent[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: a square has how many sides?