Big-leaved puzzle bush
Ehretia obtusifolia

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 1-10 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. It has several stems. The leaves are alternate or in clusters on short side branches. They are broadly oval and 2-6 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. The leaves are leathery and softly hairy on both surfaces. The flowers are small and 5-7 mm wide. They are white and in dense clusters on short side shoots. They have a sweet scent. The fruit are red berries. They are 7 mm wide.

It is similar to Ehretia coerulea.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is often on termite mounds between 150-1,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Angola, Asia, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mkilika, Puna

Synonyms

Ehretia braunii Vatke; Ehretia coerulea var. glandulosa Suess.; Ehretia fischeri Gurke; Ehretia mossambicensis Klotszch;