Description
Baphia is a small genus of legumes that bear simple leaves.Baphia massaiensis is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 metres tall.The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a coffee substitute and for making toothbrushes. The plant is quite attractive, producing flowers in attractive short sprays, these are white with a yellow spot at the base of the standard petal, and are sweetly jasmine-scented.
Plants grow best in sun in coastal areas or in semishaded areas. Baphia is a small genus of legumes that bear simple leaves.Baphia is from the Greek word, , , , , , ( to dip or to dye ), referring to a red dye that is extracted from the heartwood of tropical species.
Plant Specifications
| Common Name | Common name: Jasmine Pea, Sand Camwood |
| Maximum Reachable Height | grow up to 10 metres tall. |
| Flower Colour | white-yellowish |
Planting and care
Plants grow best in sun in coastal areas or in semishaded areas.
Baphia massaiensis care
Plants grow best in sun in coastal areas or in semishaded areas.
| Sunlight | Requires a sunny position |
| Watering | Require regular irrigation. |
Baphia massaiensis special feature
Can be trimmed to keep in shape.
The branches are used as toothbrushes for cleaning the teeth.
A piece of branch approximately the length and thickness of an adult male finger is used, the end is frayed for use as the brush
Baphia massaiensis uses
Culinary Use:
- The seed can be roasted, then ground to a powder and used to make a coffee according to some reports, whilst other reports deny this use
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