African Kino
Pterocarpus erinaceus
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. E422 — Pterocarpus erinaceus
Pterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceusPterocarpus erinaceus
IOverview
Overview
African Kino, scientifically known as Pterocarpus erinaceus, is a tree native to several West and Central African countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. This tree thrives in full sun and moist conditions, preferring light or sandy soil with medium fertility. It can grow up to 20 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves and seeds. Native to a broader range that includes Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, and other regions, the tree is valued for its culinary uses. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to adapt to various soil types while still requiring moist conditions for optimal growth.
Quick answers
What is African Kino?
African Kino, scientifically known as Pterocarpus erinaceus, is a tree native to several West and Central African countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. This tree thrives in full sun and moist conditions, preferring light or sandy soil with medium fertility.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
African Kino thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) to medium in texture. It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 20 meters tall. For propagation, seeds are the recommended method. Harvest leaves and seeds for edible use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow African Kino for the first time
8steps
Start with planting African Kino in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
African Kino seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant African Kino in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a light soil mix that drains well. Ensure containers are at least 15 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and transplant when they have several leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place a mulch layer to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly in spring with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young plants to shape them and remove any dead branches as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning, and using too much fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves and seeds of African Kino are edible. The leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked, while the seeds are typically roasted before consumption. Both parts add a mild flavor to dishes.
Other uses:Fire starterDyeFencingAnimal feedLumberPest controlPioneerTanninCoppiceNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
23 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 23 native
Africa21 regions
native (21)BeninBurkina FasoCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauLiberiaMaliMauritaniaNigerNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSudanTogoUganda
Broader regions
native:Zaïre, Central African Repu
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · e422f171-191a-4807-ad3d-9237c31e4641
Decision aid
Choosing between African Kino and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.