Antidesma vogelianum

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It can be spreading or scrambling. It grows 5 m tall. It can grow 15 m tall. The young branches are hairy. The leaves are alternate and simple and taper at the tip to a long point. The leaves are 3-10 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. They are oblong to sword shaped. They are shiny above and paler underneath. Male and female flowers are separate. They are along long stalks. The flowers are pale green to yellow. There are several fruit along a stalk. They are flattened and fleshy.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in swamp forest. It grows between 20-1,980 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, East Africa, Gabon, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mwinamia-ziwa, Tompo

Synonyms

Antidesma membranaceum var. crassifolium Pax & K. Hoffm.; Antidesma staudtii Pax; Antidesma venosum f. glabrescens De Willd.;