Bush-cherry
Maerua cafra

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

It can be a low bush or a medium sized tree. It grows 4.5-9 m tall. The trunk is usually light coloured and mottled. The leaves are compound with 3-5 leaflets. These leaflets are oval and 8 cm long and about 2.5 cm wide. They have a pointed tip. The flowers are white and scented. They are large and have long stamens with green tips. They occur in clusters near the ends of branches. The fruit are oval or funnel shaped. They are about 4.5 cm long. They have a thick rind and are smooth and slightly ribbed. They are carried on thick stalks. They have many round seeds. The fruit is edible.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in open woodland and dune bush. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten. The root is used as a chicory substitute.

Edible parts

Fruit, root - coffee

How it is grown

Trees can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Trees grow rapidly.

Its other names

Local names

Christmas flower, Untswantswane, White-wood

Synonyms

Capparis triphylla Thunb.; Maerua triphylla (Thunb.) Dur. & Schinz. Niebuhria cafra DC.; Niebuhria triphylla (Thunb.) Wendl.;