Cucumber bush
Thilachium africanum
Family: Capparaceae
What it is like
A shrub or tree. It can grow up to 7 m high. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are alternate and compound. There are 3 leaflets. The leaflets are 3-9 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. The edges of the leaves are rolled under. The leaves are dark green and leathery. The flowers are large and white. The fruit are like cucumbers. They have 12 ridges along them. They are 6 cm long.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in forest and woodland. It grows between 25-1,550 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places. It is damaged by frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The roots are a famine food. The bark is removed and the centre is cut and pounded the soaked and boiled for several hours.
Edible parts
Root, caution, fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Chiombo, Mtongi, Mutunguu, Nancapuane, Nhedze, Sangaretei, Vuma