Common guarri, Thicket euclea, Small-leaved guarri bush
Euclea undulata

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A small tree. The crown is round. They can be 6 m tall. There are many branches. The leaves are simple and small. They are 1.3-4 cm long by 6-15 mm wide. They are often clustered near the ends of branches. The flowers are small and white or yellow. They have a smell. Flowers occur in clusters in the axils of leaves. Trees are separately male and female. The fruit are small berries which turn red then black. They have one seed. The fruit are edible.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows on open rocky slopes. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten. They are also bruised and fermented to make vinegar.

The fruit are commonly used in Namibia.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Gwarri, Santinyana, Umgwali

Synonyms

Euclea myrtina Burch.; Euclea undulata Thunb. var. myrtina (Burch.) Hiern;