Bushveld gardenia
ZZ Gardenia volkensii

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It can grow 10 m tall. The branches often arch over. The bark is smooth and light grey. The leaves are tufted at the ends of the short side shoots. They are 2.5-9.5 cm long by 1.7-5.5 cm wide. Leaves can vary in shape. Flowers occur singly and open at night. The flowers are white to yellow. The fruit are grey and 4-11 cm long by 3-10 cm wide. They have a woody wall.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit ?, medicine

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Morala, Ntsalala, Umgongwane

Synonyms

Gardenia somalensis Chiov.; Gardenia somaliensis var. tubicalyx Chiov.; Gardenia stupinocarpa Chiov.; Gardenia volkensii var. somalensis (Chiov.) Cufod;