Leaves are known to be a good source of vitamin C, containing not only that but also sugars, potassium tartrate and calcium. Local people take advantage of this by either cooking them fresh like a vegetable or drying and crushing them for storage. Even the sprouts of young trees are edible, being compared in flavour to asparagus.

The root of young trees is said to be edible, and their seeds can be roasted to replace coffee. Pressing the importance of nutrition, African people will often collect caterpillars living on the leaves and consume them as a source of protein.

Wild animals and domestic alike enjoy the taste of fallen leaves and flowers. Furthermore, chewing wood helps to provide much-needed hydration when experiencing drought. Not just humans, but certain animals also consume it during times of scarcity.