Heinsia crinita | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Gentianales |
Family: | Rubiaceae |
Genus: | Heinsia |
Species: | H. crinita
|
Binomial name | |
Heinsia crinita (
Afzel.) G.Taylor
| |
Synonyms | |
Gardenia crinita Afzel. |
Heinsia crinita (commonly known as bush apple) is a species of perennial shrub or small tree in the family, Rubiaceae. It is native to tropical areas of Africa. [1]
The fruit is harvested as a local source of food and the leaves are also eaten [2] ("betete" or bitter leaves). Parts are also used in traditional medicine. [3] It has been the subject of various studies. It is known as atama in Nigeria. [4]