Ant-heap wild medlar
Vangueria randii

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows to 7 m tall. The bark is grey and smooth. The leaves are oval and 9 cm long by 3.5 cm wide. They are of thin texture and dark green above but paler underneath. The flowers are pale yellow and 10 mm across. They occur in dense heads in the axils of leaves. The fruit are almost round and 2.5 cm across. They are yellowish-green when mature.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs in open woodland and along river banks. It grows between 1,050-1,890 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Maffilwa, Mububu, Mubuu, Mungaye

Synonyms

Vangueria chartacea Robyns;