Cassine matabelica

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 7 m tall. The leaves are dark green above and greyish green underneath. They are 4-10 cm long by 1.5-4.5 cm wide. The flowers have 5 petals that are green to yellow. The fruit are small and lemon shaped. They are pale yellowish-green and waxy. The fruit contain one stone.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Meat cooked over the wood develops a spicy flavour and smell. The fruit is eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Wood - spice, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cassine matabelicum (Loes.) Steedman; Elaeodendron matabelicum Loes.;