False turkey berry
Plectroniella armata

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. The stems are short and rigid. There are stout spines 1.5 cm long. These are in the axils of leaves and at right angles. The leaves are opposite. The leaf blade is oval or round and 4 cm long and wide. The flowers are in the axils of leaves. They are in loose many flowered clusters. Flowers are bell shaped and white. The fruit are fleshy.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The sap is used for beer. The fruit is eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, sap

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Sangonsango, Umvutfawamini wemahlatsi, Xirole

Synonyms

Canthium armatum (K. Schum.) Lantz; Canthium ovatum (Burtt Davy) Burtt Davy; Plectronia ovata Burtt Davy; Plectroniella capillaris Bremek.; Vangueria armata K. Schum.;