Collection: Afrostyrax

Afrostyrax is a very small plant genus in the equally small Huaceae family, with only three plant species, all three of which occur only in Africa:

• the Afrostyrax kamerunensis
• the Afrostyrax lepidophyllus and
• Afrostyrax macranthus

They have in common that all parts of these plants have a pungent onion or garlic smell. For this reason, both the bark and the fruits of Afrostyrax lepidophyllus are used in the kitchen, especially in Ghana, Cameroon, and Congo, where the tree grows natively.

Common names are country onion or bush onion, but in the many languages ​​in this part of Africa you will find just as many other names, including hiomi, which is mainly used to refer to the bark, and ngô.

The popularity of the ngô hiomi fuels market mechanisms that can pose a threat to the natural habitat. Because yields are subject to strong fluctuations (just like the price), there is a tendency to harvest the nuts too intensively, especially during times of scarcity.

This receives considerable attention. The harvest of the garlic nut is classified as sustainable in various studies and is closely monitored given the vulnerable status of Afrostyrax lepidophyllus on the International Red List of Threatened Species.

Moreover, the planting of the trees is encouraged, including under the auspices of the Environment and Rural Development Foundation ERuDeF. The replanting is very successful, particularly near Mt Cameroon National Park, where many farming communities depend on the garlic nut harvest.