Ehretia cymosa

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It grows 7 m high. It can have drooping branches. The flowers are small and white. They have a scent. The fruit are red. There are several botanical varieties.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in savannah and secondary jungle.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Benin, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, East Africa, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, West Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The small fruit are eaten. They have little taste.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Abovro, Alebe, Beleku, Borborrissa, Borborta, Gidiincho, Gotue, Graku, Itriwanje, Jaoke, Kbaasaatso, Kolisha, Lauso, Maqaya, Mine Gure, O-koni, Okosua, Ulaga, Umuruundambaazo

Synonyms

Ehretia abyssinica R. Br. ex Fresen.; Ehretia thonningiana Exell [Illegitimate]; and others