Dwaba-berry
Monanthotaxis caffra

Family: Annonaceae

What it is like

A woody climber or small tree. It grows attached to other plants. It can be erect or a scrambler. The leaves are alternate and have short stalks. The leaves are oval and 7 cm long by 3 cm wide. There are a few cream coloured flowers. They are about 1.5 cm across but hardly open. The clusters of fruit mature separately with small fleshy, one-seeded fruit.

There are about 50 Monanthotaxis species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in dry places. It grows in areas with a rainfall below 600 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They can be dried. They are also used for jams and jelly.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Amazivendu, Chiculhula, Dwababessie, Idwaba, Imxope, Isidwaba, Libundza, Lochentima, Masweleti, Maswete, Sititane, Umazwensalonhlope, Umqogi-wezihlanya, Umtitane, Umxobe, Viriga

Synonyms

Popowia caffra (Sond.) Benth.;