Eastern cape resin tree
Ozoroa mucronata

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 3-4 m tall. The young branches have a few hairs. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are sword shaped and rounded at the tip. The edges are wavy. The flowers are in long sprays at the ends of the branches and in the axils of the leaves. The flowers are small and white. The fruit are small and kidney shaped. They are shiny and black.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate or subtropical plant. It can grow in arid places. It grows along river banks.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The root is scraped clean and eaten raw. The fruit are also eaten raw.

Edible parts

Root, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Itshawe, 'ntshawa, Oos-kaapse harpuisboom

Synonyms

Heeria mucronata Bernh.;