Fringe tail
Rutidea orientalis

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A climber in the tree canopy. It can be 6 m tall. The leaves are opposite and broadly sword shaped. They are shiny and dark green above and paler with yellow hairs underneath. The flowers are in dense clusters. They are small and white. They have a strong scent. The fruit are 5-9 mm across. They are yellow or orange. They turn purple-black when ripe.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grow in the rain-forest from lowlands to the mountains. It grows in evergreen rain-forest between 350-1,600 m above sea level. It grows in deep shade along rivers.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Burundi, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Southern Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit is used for beer.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Rutidea syringoides auctt. non (Webb.) Bremek.;