Anatomy and nutritional value of Dracaena cameroonianaBaker - an African wild vegetable

Abstract

BackgroundEven though some Dracaena species are used as medicine, their utilization as food is rather unusual. In northern Angola, however, leaves and underground tubers of Dracaena cameroonianaBaker are frequently consumed. In particular, the leaves are of increasing economic value in the region. But the anatomy and nutritional aspects of the plant have not been studied so far. Therefore, a detailed anatomic description of the plant was conducted. In a second step the nutritional value of the defined material was analysed, providing a basis for the discussion of a more intensive utilisation of this rainforest shrub. ResultsThe leaf anatomy of Dracaena camerooniana differs from the species of the genus that have been examined so far, in showing adaptations to wet climatic conditions. The stems produce a secondary thickening meristem with amphivasal secondary vascular bundles. During tuber formation, the parenchyma of the pith in the vascular cylinder of the root markedly increases. From a nutritional point of view, leaves do not noteworthy contribute to vitamin intake. The nutritional composition of the tubers is comparable to that of cassava (Manihot esculentaCrantz) and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). However, a high fructose value indicates inulin as a storage carbohydrate. ConclusionInspite of its rather moderate nutritional values, Dracaena camerooniana is an indigenous addition to the diet of the Angolan population that could also be cultivated in the future due to the easy vegetative propagation.