Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 34B3edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOreviewed 17 Oct 2026methodology → read

Sweet Prayer Plant

Thaumatococcus daniellii
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 →
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Thaumatococcus daniellii (Sweet Prayer Plant) — botanical photograph
Pl. 34B3 — Thaumatococcus daniellii
Thaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus danielliiThaumatococcus daniellii
I

Overview

Sweet Prayer Plant, scientifically known as Thaumatococcus daniellii, is a perennial shrub native to several West and Central African countries including Burkina Faso, Cabinda, Cameroon, and the Congo Basin region. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial to full shade, making it adaptable to various light conditions. Known for its ornamental value as well as its edible properties, Sweet Prayer Plant is valued both for its attractive foliage and the use of its leaves and seeds. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 2 meters in height, while another notable characteristic is its hardiness within USDA zones 10-12. The plant's leaves and seeds can be used as a sweetener, adding a unique flavor to various culinary applications. Sweet Prayer Plant is also recognized for its utility in containers and can be used in textile and roofing applications, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes. While primarily ornamental and edible, it is important to note that the plant should be handled with caution due to potential allergenic properties.

Quick answers

What is Sweet Prayer Plant?

Sweet Prayer Plant, scientifically known as Thaumatococcus daniellii, is a perennial shrub native to several West and Central African countries including Burkina Faso, Cabinda, Cameroon, and the Congo Basin region.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Sweet Prayer Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, medium to heavy soil. It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 2 meters tall. For propagation, use seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide ample shade during intense sunlight to avoid leaf burn. This perennial plant is native to several African countries and is edible, with its leaves and seeds being the parts to consume.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Sweet Prayer Plant for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple setup for your Sweet Prayer Plant, focusing on basic care and maintenance.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small pot, quality potting soil, and a Sweet Prayer Plant seedling.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F).

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant from a small pot to a larger one as needed, keeping it in partial shade initially.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide medium to heavy moisture and place in a location with partial sun or full shade.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune occasionally to maintain shape, focusing on removing dead or yellowing leaves.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, placing it in direct sunlight, and neglecting to prune are common issues.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:ContainerstextilesRoofing
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

16 native · 1 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 16 native· 1 introduced
Africa11 regions
native (11)Burkina FasoCameroonCôte d'IvoireEquatorial GuineaGabonGhanaGuineaLiberiaNigeriaSierra LeoneTogo
Broader regions
native:Cabinda, Central African Repu, Congo, Gulf of Guinea Is., Zaïre
introduced:Malaya
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Thaumatococcus daniellii (Sweet Prayer Plant) — botanical photograph
Sweet Prayer Plant (Thaumatococcus daniellii)
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 34b3a563-50d1-4142-85eb-972a14646b52
❦❦❦❦
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.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes