Common Name: Wild currant

General Information

Wild currant is a more or less woody deciduous shrub or small tree with a low, spreading crown; it can grow from 2 - 12 metres tall. The plant often branches from near the base; the stems can be erect but are sometimes weak and supported on other shrubs[].
The edible seedpods are sometimes gathered from the wild and used locally, whilst the plant is cultivated for the pods in Sudan[]. It is grown as an ornamental and hedge plant in many parts of the tropics[].
This taxon is not considered to be threatened or in decline at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean.

Habitat

Moist thickets, sometimes in oak forest, often in second growth or in waste ground, at elevations up to 1,500 metres[]. Scrub-woodland, hedges and forest margins or from riverbanks, streambeds, open hillslopes and riparian forest[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	6.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

This species is cultivated in many parts of the tropics, it has often escaped and become naturalized[].
The foliage has a rather strong and unpleasant odour[].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

The seedpods contain an abundant pulp that is sweet and edible, with a flavour somewhat resembling that of tamarind (Tamarindus indicus)[, ].

The seeds are roasted and used as a coffee substitute[, , ].

Leaves - cooked[]. They are wilted and then cooked as a vegetable[]. They can be served alone or mixed with other leaves, beans or peas[]. They are usually only eaten when more preferred vegetables are not available[].

Medicinal

The leaves are purgative[].
A leaf infusion, or the sap from macerated leaves is applied externally, with salt, to treat rashes, sores, bites, stings, eczema, 'lotta', scabies, ringworm and thrush[].
The foliage is sniffed in order to stop a nose bleed[].

The roots and leaves are chewed to relieve stomach aches[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is sometimes used as a hedge[, ].

Other Uses

The heartwood is dark brown, the sapwood is yellow. The wood is hard[]

Propagation

Seed - requires pre-treatment to soften the hard seedcoat and allow the ingress of water[]. This can be done by soaking the seed in a small amount of nearly boiling water (which cools down quickly and does not cook the seed) and then soaking the seed for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. Alternatively, a small area of the seed coat can be abraded, being careful not to damage the embryo[].

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