African asage-orange, Thorny mulberry
Maclura africana

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A spiny shrub. It can be a scrambler or a small tree up to 8 m high. The bark is creamy-brown. The side branches have spines at the end. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are oval and 3-9 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are dark green. They can taper towards each end. The edges roll slightly under. The male and female flowers occur on separate trees. They are white and have a sweet scent. They occur in small dense heads. These are about 1.5 cm across. The fruit is a head of small nutlets. They have a soft edible pulp.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in hot, dry, low-lying areas or coastal sand dunes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Fruiting heads, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Afrikasoetlemoen, Doa, Mupulumbu, Popwe, Pumbulo, Rengue

Synonyms

Cardiogyne africana Bureau; Maclura africana (Bureau) Corner; Milicia spinosa Sim;