Cape lilac, Puzzle bush
Ehretia rigida

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

A small straggly tree which loses its leaves during the year. It grows 2-5 m tall. It has a short stem and spreading crown. The bark is smooth and grey. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaves are broadly oval and 2.5 cm long. They are leathery and borne close together near the ends of twigs. The flowers are pale pink. They are 7 mm across. The occur in clusters in branches. The fruit are round and orange to red. They are small and cherry like and in clusters. The seed are oval, brown, hard and fibrous. The fruit are edible.

There are about 50 Ehretia species. They have also been put in the family Ehretiaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows from 800 m to 1200 m altitude. It occurs from the edges of evergreen forest to open woodland. It is drought and frost resistant. It can grow in arid places. It grows in Miombo woodland in Africa. In Brisbane Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw when ripe. They are very sweet. They are also prepared with water and used as a gravy.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - drink

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds germinate in 10-20 days. Seedlings can be transplant at the 2 leaf stage.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Bhungela, Bhungele, Deurmekaarbos, Iklele, Morobe, Morobo, Muhambe, Nyakashemveri, Swartbos, Umbotshane, Umcele, Umhlele, Umhloli, Umkele, Umklele, Umqxele, Umthele, Umxele

Synonyms

Capraria rigida Thunb.; Ehretia eckloniana H. Buek ex Harv.; Ehretia hottentotica Burch.; Ehretia violacea Kunth; Ehretia zeyheriana H. Buek ex Harv.; Freylinia rigida (Thunb.) G. Don;