Atroxima afzeliana is a species of plant in the milkwort family (Polygalaceae). It is endemic to rainforests and forest fringes with altitudes below 200m (700feet) in Western Tropical Africa.[1] [2] It was first described in 1868 by Daniel Oliver, at which point it was described as a new Carpolobia or a new genus.[3] In 1905, Otto Stapf classified it into the atroxima genus.[4]
Atroxima afzeliana is a glabrous tree or shrub with a height of up to 25feet. It has sweeping branches and is sometimes scandent.[1] Its leaves are leathery and elliptical. They are 2.5inchesto4inchesin (toin) long and 1.25inchesto2inchesin (toin) wide.[3] It produces 6 to 10 flowers which are mauve or cream-coloured.[1] [3] It produces an orange, roughly spherical, crustaceous fruit which is about 1inches in diameter and edible.[1] [5]
Apart from the fruit being edible, the stem, root, and leaves of the plant are used as medicine to treat various illnesses.[6]