Telfairia is a small genus of flowering vines in the family Cucurbitaceae (the squash or gourd family), order Cucurbitales, comprising just two to three species native to tropical Africa. The plants are woody and herbaceous dioecious vines — meaning male and female flowers occur on separate individuals — and can grow rapidly to lengths of 30 metres or more, using tendrils to climb trees and other supports.
The genus bears large, squash-like fruits containing conspicuously large, nutritious, oily seeds. The seeds of the two cultivated species are remarkably rich in nutrients: over 25% protein and around 55% oil, making them an important food resource across sub-Saharan Africa. The leaves and young shoots, particularly those of Telfairia occidentalis (the fluted pumpkin), are widely eaten as leafy vegetables and rank among the most important indigenous vegetables in Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries. Seeds are also used as a traditional food supplement for nursing mothers, and seed flour is fermented to prepare weaning foods for infants.
Telfairia pedata, the oyster nut or Zanzibar oil vine, is cultivated both for its edible seeds and as an ornamental plant prized for its attractive foliage. The third recognised species, T. batesii, is very rare and not cultivated. The genus has low genetic diversity overall, and this is compounded by threats such as telfairia mosaic virus.
The genus was named in honour of Charles Telfair (1778–1833), an Irish naturalist.
Etymology
The genus Telfairia was named in honour of Charles Telfair (1778–1833), an Irish naturalist. The common name "oyster nut," shared by both T. occidentalis and T. pedata, refers to the large seeds enclosed within the fruit.
Distribution
Telfairia is native to tropical Africa. T. occidentalis (the fluted pumpkin) is particularly important in West Africa, especially Nigeria, where it is widely cultivated as a vegetable. T. pedata (the oyster nut or Zanzibar oil vine) occurs in East Africa and is also cultivated beyond the continent as an ornamental.
Cultivation
Telfairia vines are fast-growing, reaching 30 metres or more, and require sturdy support structures. T. occidentalis is cultivated primarily for its leaves and shoots, which are harvested as vegetables, and for its large oily seeds. T. pedata is grown both for its edible seeds and as an ornamental foliage plant. Seeds are over 25% protein and 55% oil and can be processed into flour, fermented for infant foods, or consumed directly.
Cultural Uses
The seeds of Telfairia species are a traditional food source in West and East Africa, used especially to support nursing mothers. Seed flour is fermented to make baby food. The leaves and young shoots of T. occidentalis are among the most important indigenous leafy vegetables in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, consumed widely in soups and stews.
