Five Species Helping to Ease Global Hunger
Unfortunately, many people around the world – particularly
those in the developing portions of Africa and South Asia – face hunger on a
daily basis. Politics, socio-economic factors, war and other human-caused
challenges all contribute to the problem, but in many cases, a lack suitable
crops is at the root of the issue.
Fortunately, local governments, scientists, farmers and
non-governmental organizations are working hard to address these
problems. One way they are doing so is through the development of new fruit
tree programs; specifically, they have begun developing cultivation programs for native
trees that produce edible fruit.
Several different species are proving useful in this
context, including the five discussed below. Some have already gained a
foothold in the marketplace and are frequently featured in the diets of rural
people, but others have yet to penetrate the marketplace in any meaningful
fashion.
Of course, none of these trees are the equivalent of rice,
corn or potatoes – they are never going to become staple crops. However, they
should all reduce some of the demand
on food in the world’s hungriest regions. With luck, these and other unheralded
fruit trees will help improve the lives of those in the developing world.
Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola) View Photo in New Window
Bitter kola kernels – the most dietarily significant part of the bitter kola tree – are rich in antioxidants and valued for their purported medicinal benefits, which range from reducing eye pressure to eliminating toxins to improving lung function. While many of these alleged benefits have yet to be demonstrated scientifically, some of the claims are consistent with empirical data. Many would-be farmers struggle to germinate bitter kola seeds, which undergo a lengthy dormancy period. Accordingly, seedlings are typically not common in markets of the region, and most commercially grown kola trees are propagated from cuttings.
Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis) View Photo in New Window
The bush mango is a tree of east African forests that
produces both a sweet fruit (commonly, but inaccurately called a “mango???) and edible,
fatty seeds, called dika nuts. The fruits and nuts are both eaten raw, but most
are jellied or roasted, respectively. Bush mangos are economically important
throughout central Africa, where they are also used as shade trees and a source
of lumber.
African Plum (Dacryodes
edulis)
Wild African plum trees often reach large sizes – some may
exceed 120 feet in height – but most commercially grown specimens fail to grow
this large. African plums are very fatty fruits; when cooked, they develop a
butter-like consistency, leading to their other common name – the butter fruit.
In addition to the edible fruit, the wood of African plum trees is commercially
important.
Njangsa (Ricinodendron
heudelotii)
Njangsa trees are giant rainforest trees that may grow to
heights in excess of 150 feet. Njangsa trees are found from Senegal across
central Africa to parts of Sudan, down as far south as Angola and Madagascar. Njangsa
trees have been domesticated since about 1995, and their edible nuts are
economically important across much of central Africa. While they do not appear
to be vulnerable to many specific pests, Njangsa trees are a food source for
many native caterpillars. However, rather than viewing these larvae as pests, local villagers often consider them an important supplemental source of protein.
African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum
albidum)
African star apples are celebrated for their
edible fruit, but the trees also yield materials locals use for firewood,
lumber and folk medicine. In fact, in interviews with
researchers, rural residents in southern Benin believed that different
parts of star apple trees could treat 15 different ailments.
Unfortunately, none of these species are widely available to North American property owners. However, plenty of other exotic fruit trees can thrive in the Bay Area, so if you would like to grow some unusual, edible fruits, give us a call. We can help you select the perfect species for your yard and instruct you on their proper care and maintenance.
But whether your yard is filled with rare exotics or common natives, Arborist Now is San Francisco’s choice for expert tree and shrub
pruning services.
