Celtis gomphophylla

Family: Cannabaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows up to 30 m tall or taller. It loses its leaves during the year. The trunk is fluted or has buttresses. The bark is smooth and light grey. The leaves are 6-16 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The base is rounded and they taper to the tip. The fruit are dark yellow and 4-6 mm long by 3-5 mm wide.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In South Africa it grows between 700-1,400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Congo DR, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Celtis dioica S. Moore; Celtis durandii Engl.; Celtis durandii var. ugandensis (Rendl) Rendle; Celtis ugandensis Rendle;