Hottentot's cherry, Bittersweet cherry
Maurocenia frangularia

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 3 m tall. The bark is grey and scaly with cracks along it. The new growth is red. The leaves are leathery and dark green above and more pale underneath. The flowers are small and yellow to white. Male and female flowers are usually on separate plants. The fruit are bright red berries that turn purple when ripe.

There is only one Maurocenia species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical or Mediterranean climate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds or cuttings. It can be grown as a hedge.

It grows slowly but lives a long time.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cassine maurocenia L.; Hartogia capensis L.f.; Hartogia capensis var. lanceolata Sond.; Hartogia capensis var. multiflora Sond.; Hartogia capensis var. riparia Sond.; Maurocenia capensis Sond.;