Local indigenous knowledge, uses and agroforestry potential of mafurra, Trichilia emetica, vahl

Mafurreira ( Trichilia emetica Vahl.) – mafurra tree - is a valuable oil-producing tree species that belongs to Maleaceae family and grows successfully in Mozambique. The species is well adapted to different agro-ecological conditions, but is mainly found along the coastal lowlands in the southern part of the country where it is commonly integrated in local agroforestry practices. Mafurra mainly grows in the wild but it is also widely propagated by farmers especially women through seed, rootstocks and wild seedlings on-farm and near homesteads. In urban areas, Ma- furra is also frequently used for ornamental purposes and as a shade tree. Mafurra tree has significant cultural and socioeconomic value in Mozambique, especially in the southern part of the country. It is commonly used for spiritual ceremonies that involve pledging to ancestors, and in the identification of graves in family cemeteries. In addition, Mafurra fruits are widely consumed and sold during the season especially by women. There are many types of mafurra mainly identified by the colour of the pericarp (the edible cover of the seed) such as red and white mafurra, and also by size of the fruits , such as big and small mafurra seeds/fruits. White mafurra is the most preferred for both local consumption and for sale because it is more palatable and has more pulp. However, there are few families who own or produce mafurra trees mainly due to the difficu lties associated with propagation of the species such as poor germination capacity and seedling survival. During the harvest season from No- vember-March, households with larger quantities, and especially women, supply urban markets in order to raise and increase family income to support other basic needs. The importance of ma- furra goes beyond immediate local consumption in its crude form, as it is also locally processed by women into edible oil (called Munhantsi) and pulp (called Xibehe) that improve local diets and used as food sources particularly during post-harvest periods that are characterized by high food shortages

---

• View source