Confetti spikethorn, Red spikethorn
Gymnosporia senegalensis

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It can grow 9 m tall. The leaves are oval and have fine teeth around the edge. The flowers are greenish-white to pale yellow. The capsule has 2 round sections and is red.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, East Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bloupendoring, Bobue, Chichangua, Muiua

Synonyms

Catha europaea Boiss.; Catha grossulariae Tul.; Catha senegalensis (Lam.) G. Don; Catha senegalensis Webb.; Celastrus coriaeceus Guill. & Perr.; Celastrus decolor Delile; Celastrus emarginata Rich.; Celastrus europaeus Boiss.; Gymnosporia Maytenus senegalensis (Lam.) Exell; and others