Dwarf cherry-bush, Small-leaved maerua
Maerua parvifolia

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 2 m tall. The branches are stiff and rigid. There can be hairs. The leaves are alternate on short side branches. The leaf is simple and up to 1,5 cm long by 0.5 cm wide. They are narrowly oval. The flowers occur singly or in pairs on short side shoots. The fruit are 4.5 cm long by 0.7 cm wide. They are hairy. They hang down and are constricted between the seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in drier types of woodland. It also grows on termite mounds. It grows from low altitude up to 1,200 m altitude. It grows in areas with a rainfall of between 100-350 mm per year. It grows in areas with a dry season of 8-11 months. It re-grows after fire. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The root is used as a substitute for chicory. The fruit are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Root, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mnogonogo, Msingisa, Nongonongo, Pisipisi

Synonyms

Maerua crassifolia sensu O. B. Mill; Maerua hirticaulis Gilg & Bened.; Maerua legatii Burtt Davy; Maerua trichophylla Gilg;