Dwarf hairy jackalberry, Dwarf star-apple
Diospyros galpinii

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

An erect shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 40- 130 cm high. It has several stems produced from an underground stem. The leaves are alternate and grey olive green. They are oval and 4-13 cm long by 3-7 cm wide. The leaves are thick and leathery. The flowers are white and bell shaped. They turn yellow with age. The flowers are creamy white and have a scent. They are 15 mm long and the petals turn back. The fruit are oval and 2 cm long. They have strong ribs. They are covered with yellow hairs.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows on sand. It can grow in arid places. It grows on open grassy hillsides.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chipongoti, Indodemnyama, Siphiphavantfwana, Umchafutane

Synonyms

Royena galpinii Hiern;