Crown fruit tricalysia
Tricalysia coriacea

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 9 m tall. It has a large trunk. The leaves are 5-20 cm long by 1-9 cm wide. They are oval. The edges curve back. They are leathery. The flowers are in the axils of leaves or from where leaves have fallen. The flowers have a sweet scent. The fruit are 6-10 mm across and red. There are 2-5 seeds in each chamber.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in lowland and mid altitude rainforest. In Nigeria it is recorded at 760 m above sea level. It suits humid locations. It is often along streams.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, East Africa, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Southern Africa, Tanzania, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In Central African Republic flowers have been observed in September and fruit in January and February.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Randia coriacea Benth.; Tricalysia coriaceoides De Wild.; Tricalysia nyassae Hiern.; Tricalysia petiolata De Wild.; Tricalysia vignei Aubrev. & Pellgr.;