Diospyros ramulosa

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 5 m high. It keeps growing from year to year. It is densely branched. The leaves are clustered near the ends of the small branches. The leaves are alternate and with short stalks. The leaves are small and narrow and about 1-2 cm long. Male and female flowers are separate and in the axils of leaves. The fruit are orange berries 2 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in stony soils. It grows in coastal regions. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 150-200 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh. They can be used for jams and drinks and also dried.

The fruit are enjoyable.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Appelkoosbessies, Koenoekam, Namqua fire-sticks

Synonyms

Royena ramulosa E. Mey ex A. DC.;