Site conditions and nutrient status of Cordeauxia edulis (Caesalpiniaceae) in its natural habitat in Central Somalia

Abstract

Cordeauxia edulis, the yeheb (yicib, ye-eb), has attracted much interest as a potential multi-purpose shrub well adapted to (semi)arid conditions. Since there exist only limited information and analyses, mainly of the seeds, we try to answer some questions arising about site conditions, soil requirements, and, by leaf analyses, the state of nutrition. Finally we determined the fodder-value of the foliage, as the bush is grazed too. Our results underline the low requirements of the yeheb for water and soil fertility. © 1988 The New York Botanical Garden.