Forest bush-cherry
Maerua racemulosa

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A climber or scrambling shrub. It grows 1-3 m tall. The twigs are slender and have knobs along them. The leaves are simple but can occasionally have 2 or 3 leaflets. They are oval and 12 cm long by 5 cm wide. They vary in shape. They are often pointed. The midrib and veins are prominent under the leaf. The edges can be wavy and with teeth. The flowers are small and white. The grow in groups in the axils of leaves towards the ends of branches. The fruit is a yellow round berry. It is on a long stalk and can be the size of a cherry. There are 1-3 light coloured seeds inside.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows as an undershrub. It occurs in South Africa from sea level to 900 m altitude. It grows in dry soils. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

The root is eaten in times of food scarcity. It is peeled crushed and boiled in water. Milk is added. It is also sometimes used as a substitute for coffee.

Edible parts

Roots, coffee

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Idungamuzi elicane, Imphunziso, Witboshout, Umbhongiza, Umbiza, Umphunzisa

Synonyms

Capparis racemulosa A. DC.; Capparis undulata Zeyh. ex Eckl. & Zeyh.; Niebuhria pedunculosa Hochst.; Boscia caffra Sond.; Maerua undulata (Zeyh. ex Eckl. & Zeyh.) Dur. & Schinz; Maerua pedunculosa (Hochst.) Sim.;