Cape sumach
Osyris compressa
Family: Santalaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It can grow 5 m tall. The trunk can be 25 cm across. It can grow as a parasite attached to the roots of other plants. The leaves are opposite and narrowly oval. They are erect and crowded on the stem. They are 1-5 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. The flowers are small and 2 mm across. They are yellowish-green. The fruit are red and turn dark purple when ripe.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows on dunes along the coast in scrub and forest. It grows well in sandy soils. It is best in a sunny position.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, East Africa, Eswatini, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland
How it is used for food
The fruit can be stored.
The fruit are especially eaten by children.
Edible parts
Root, bark, leaves, fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds planted near a suitable host tree. They cannot be grown from cuttings.
Plants fruit for about 8 months of the year.
Its other names
Local names
African sandalwood, Basbessie, Basboom, Basbos