Thespesia garckeana

Thespesia garckeana (also known by its synonym Azanza garckeana) is a tree in the family Malvaceae, found throughout the warmer parts of Southern Africa in wooded grasslands, open woodland and thickets. It grows naturally over a range of altitudes from 1,000 to 2,000 m above sea level, from semi-arid areas to areas of higher rainfall. T. garckeana is often found on or near termite mounds in old fields.

Common names: African chewing gum, goron tula, snot apple, tree hibiscus, mutohwe (Shona), nkole (Sri Lanka), uXakuxaku (isiNdebele) and morojwa (Setswana).

Benefits of African chewing gum leaves

 * 1) nutrients present in the fruit help cleanse the body system and prevent diseases like cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and fertility challenges.
 * 2) it serves as an aphrodisiac and aids against liver problems, and mental illness among other diseases.
 * 3) it assists in improving bowel movement, eases digestion and improves the body's immune system. Most importantly, it is safe for consumption across all ages.

Uses

 * The whole fruit except the seeds is chewed like gum, producing a sweet glutinous slime. The fruit is also used as a syrup and soup.
 * The sap wood is yellow and the heart wood is a deep brown. It is easily worked but generally only suitable for small building needs, tool handles, oxen yokes, and domestic items such as spoons.
 * The leaves of T. garckeana have many uses including green manure and mulch. The leaves also provide an often used fodder.