Landolphi mannii is a liana within the Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae). It is commonly called Jungle chocolate or Malombo. Its fruit, with significant lipid and iron content is consumed by locals and it is also a part of the diet the Mandrillus sphinx.
This species is a climbing plant over 330 feet ("more than 100 meters") in length [1] with branches that are brown or grey in color and are marked by narrow fissures and have light lenticels.[2] Petioles are 4-13 mm long; leaflets are obovate to ovate in shape, glaucous, acuminate at the apex and acute at the base.[2] Terminal inflorescence with tendril-like features, cymes are dense and sometimes at the end of the tendril hooks, the tendril hooks can grow up to 7 cm long.[2] Peduncle grows up to 30 cm long; pedicels are commonly pubescent or pilose and are up to 5 mm long, anthers are 1.5 to 2.5 mm long.[2] It has scented flowers, its calyx is1.8-5 mm in width, corolla is white, yellow or creamy. Fruit is large and globose, yellow, red or orange colored with a smooth surface and scattered brown or greyish lenticel, size is 8 to 26 cm (3 to 10 inches) long. Flowers throughout the year.[2]
Occurs along rivers in the rainforest areas of Central Africa, Southern Nigeria and Northern Angola.[2]
Landolphi mannii is a liana within the Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae). It is commonly called Jungle chocolate or Malombo. Its fruit, with significant lipid and iron content is consumed by locals and it is also a part of the diet the Mandrillus sphinx.
