Tetrapleura tetraptera
Distribution: Native to southern Africa. Introduced to and cultivated in Taiwan.
Morphology: This is a tall and large deciduous tree without branches. The leaves are bipinnately compound, alternate, with 5-9 pairs of pinnae and 12-24 leaflets, alternate, elliptic, with skewed base, concave apex, smooth and shiny; rachis with gland-like structures. The flowers are small and pink; single or paired axillary flowers, on spike-like racemose inflorescences; 10 stamens, separated. The pods are oblong, thick, and dark reddish-brown, 15-25 cm in length, with 4-ribs that are wing-shaped, indehiscent, with membrane separating the seeds. The carpopodium is plump. The seeds are ovate elliptic, small, hard, flat, and black. Epigeal germination type. The primary leaves are pinnately compound and opposite. The leaflets are alternate.
Uses: The pulp is edible and tastes like milk candy. It contains a small amount of saponins and can be used for washing hair and clothes. The pods and leaves are medicinal. The wood is used for making small furniture items and window and door frames. It is planted in gardens for ornamental use.
