Kaffir bride, Christmas tree
Pavetta lanceolata

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or medium sized tree. The trunk can be 23 cm across. The leaves are opposite and simple. They are slender and 3.8-11 cm long. They are narrowed at both ends. The leaves are pointed and shiny above and dull beneath. The edges of the leaves are often rolled inwards. The flowers are large and tubular. The tube is 1.9 cm long. The fruit are small and round. They are pea sized and black. The leaves of the form known as Pavetta tristis are edible.

There are about 400 Pavetta species. They grow in the tropics.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It grows in coastal and inland forests in South Africa. It suits hardiness zones 10-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Eswatini, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zambia

How it is used for food

The leaves of the tristis form are eaten and taste like watercress.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Christmas bush, Forest bride's bush, Weeping bride's bush

Synonyms

Pavetta inandensis Brem.; Pavetta tristis Brem.;