Hairy forest myrtle
Eugenia woodii
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
A small stunted tree. It can be 5-10 m high. In forests the stem is upright and straight and 25 cm across. The young branches are densely hairy. The branches are flattened. The leaves are opposite and broadly oval. They are 4-9 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. They taper to a blunt tip. The edges are thickened and rolled under. The flowers are white. They are in branched clusters of 3 flowers. They are in the axils of leaves on new growth. The fruit is an oval berry 25 mm wide. They are yellow but turn red or black as they ripen.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows on exposed, rocky outcrops.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The fruit have a pleasant flavour.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Mabelenjongosi, Umabelenjongosi