Cape jasmine, Woodland gardenia
Gardenia volkensii subsp. spatulifolia

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A large shrub or small evergreen tree. The stems are rigid. The leaves are in threes and have up to 3 branches in their axils. The leaves can taper and be spiny. The leaf blades are broadly oval or round and 3 cm across. The flowers occur singly. They are usually at the ends of side shoots. The flowers have a scent. The flowers are tubes or funnel shaped and pale yellow or white. The fruit are woody and oval. They have a rough surface and usually prominent ridges.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in dry sandy soils. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall over 300 mm. It cannot tolerate frost. It can tolerate drought. It is often on termite mounds. It grows between 750-1,125 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit pulp is used in porridge and eaten fresh.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds. They take about 3 weeks to germinate. Seedlings can be transplanted. Plants are easily grown from cuttings. They are best if treated with rooting hormone.

It grows quickly in a well drained sheltered site.

Its other names

Local names

Cikololo, Cisombo, Emangwelamhlophe, Sigoba, Transvaal gardenia

Synonyms

Gardenia spatulifolia Stapf & Hutch.;