Parkia biglobosa

Parkia biglobosa
Inflorescences
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Clade: Mimosoid clade
Genus: Parkia
Species:
P. biglobosa
Binomial name
Parkia biglobosa
Synonyms
List
    • Inga biglobosa (Jacq.) Willd.
    • Inga faeculifera Ham.
    • Inga faroba Mérat & Lens
    • Inga senegalensis DC.
    • Mimosa biglobosa Jacq.
    • Mimosa taxifolia Pers.
    • Parkia africana R.Br.
    • Parkia clappertoniana Keay
    • Parkia intermedia Oliv.
    • Parkia oliveri J.F.Macbr.
    • Parkia uniglobosa G.Don
    • Prosopis faeculifera Desv.

Parkia biglobosa, the African locust bean, is a perennial deciduous tree in the family Fabaceae. It is found in a wide range of environments in Africa and is primarily grown for its pods that contain both a sweet pulp and valuable seeds. Where the tree is grown, the crushing and fermenting of these seeds constitutes an important economic activity. Various parts of the locust bean tree are used for medicinal and food purposes. As a standing tree, locust bean may have a positive effect on the yield of nearby crops, like other leguminous plants.