Bersama abyssinica (African Bersama)
Bersama abyssinica
A small-to-medium evergreen tree best known for its large, pinnate leaves with a distinctively winged leaf-stalk (rachis), and for its showy fruit: reddish, four-lobed capsules that split open to reveal shiny black seeds wrapped in a bright orange aril.
- Kinyarwanda name
- Bersama abyssinica
- English name
- African Bersama
- Scientific name
- Bersama abyssinica
- Family
- Melianthaceae
- Conservation status
- Least Concern (IUCN)
Habitat
Forest margins, riverine/gallery forest and regrowing secondary forest, typically at 1,200-2,500m elevation.
Distribution
Very widely distributed across tropical and subtropical Africa, from Ethiopia south to South Africa, including the Albertine Rift highlands; present in Rwanda's forests.
Uses
Bark and roots are used across its range in traditional medicine, including as a dewormer and for stomach complaints; wood is used for tool handles and firewood; the striking fruit makes it a popular ornamental.
Ecological importance
The bright orange aril on each seed is a strong draw for fruit-eating birds, which disperse the seeds; the flowers are also visited by bees. Its riverine growth habit helps stabilise streambanks.
Ibisobanuro
Ni igiti kigufi kugeza ku kirekire, gitunguranwa, kizwi cyane ku mababi manini asa n'ipara afite umutsi ufite amababa hagati y'utuzu; kandi kizwi ku mbuto zacyo nziza: udusanduku dufite ibice bine, dutukura, dufungura dukerekana imbuto z'umukara zibengeranye n'igitambaro cy'umuhondo-umutuku.