Coptosperma neurophyllum

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It grows 2-8 m tall. The young branches are square in cross section. The bark can be red brown. The leaf blades are yellowish-green and 5-11 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. They are narrowly oval. They are wedge shaped at the base. They are leathery and shiny above. The flower cluster is at the top of the plant. The flowers have a strong scent. They are yellowish-green. The fruit is 4-5 mm across and has one seed.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows on rocky outcrops and in river gorges. It is often on termite mounds. It grows between 300-1,600 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Impama, Mutantansange, Mutyoka

Synonyms

Chomelia nigrescens sensu De Wild.; Chomelia odora K. Krause; Pavetta neurophylla S. Moore; Stylocoryne neurophylla (S. Moore) Bremek.; Tarenna barbertonensis (Bremek.) Bremek.; Tarenna neurophylla (S. Moore) Bremek.; Tarenna odora (K. Krause) Cufod.;