Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda) Xylopia aethiopica
Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda) (Xylopia aethiopica) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Annonaceae family, native to Tropical Africa (West and Central African forests and riverbanks to Kenya and Mozambique). It grows 10–25 m (33–82 ft) tall and 4–8 m (13–26 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 m (33–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 261–417 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: dried fruit pods (smoky, peppery spice; in pepper soup and café Touba) |
| Native to | Tropical Africa (West and Central African forests and riverbanks to Kenya and Mozambique) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; used as a spice.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda)
- How far apart should I plant Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–8 m (13–26 ft).
- Does Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda)?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda) flower?
- About 261–417 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; used as a spice.
- What grows well with Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Grains of Selim (Ethiopian pepper, uda). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide, World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Nairobi
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- A slender, straight forest tree with clusters of twisted, bean-like pods. Despite the name it does not grow in Ethiopia: "Ethiopia" once meant all of Africa south of Egypt.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Pawpaw Asimina triloba
- Cherimoya Annona cherimola
- Ylang-ylang Cananga odorata
- Soursop (guanábana) Annona muricata
- Sugar apple (sweetsop) Annona squamosa
- Custard apple (bullock’s heart) Annona reticulata
- Climbing ylang-ylang (karawek) Artabotrys hexapetalus
- Wild custard apple (African custard apple) Annona senegalensis