Forest umzithi
Cleistanthus polystachyus

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 10 m high. It can be 30 m high. The trunk can be 25 cm across. It has a spreading crown. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are broadly sword shaped and 5-8 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The flowering branches are slender and rusty coloured. The flowers are yellow. Male and female flowers are separate on the same tree. They have a scent. There are some subspecies. The fruit is a flattened round shape. It has a hard outer layer.

It has also been put in the family Euphorbiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the forest. In Malawi it grows along rivers and the lake shore in light shade. It grows in rainforest up to 2,100 m altitude. It suits humid locations.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Msala

Synonyms

Bridelia polystachya (Hook. f. ex Planch.) Baill.; Candelabria polystachya (Hook. f. ex Planch.) Planch.; Cleistanthus amaniensis Jabl.; Cleistanthus apetalus S. Moore;