Kaffir orange, Caper orange
Strychnos cocculoides

Family: Loganiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree up to 6 m tall. It is evergreen and thornless. The stem can be 23 cm across. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are leathery. They are dark green above and lighter below. They are 5-12 cm long by 2.5-6 cm wide. The base is narrowed. The edges roll inwards. The flowers are in dense clusters in the axils of leaves. The flowers are tubular and with 5 white star like petals. These can be 1.9 cm across. The berries are plum like and 2.5 cm long. They are red and turn purplish-black. The have 1 or 2 oval flat seeds. The fruit are edible.

There are about 170 Strychnos species. They grow in the tropics and subtropics. Some are very poisonous and others have edible fruit. It is the seeds that contain strychnine that are poisonous. These have also been put in the family Strychnaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in bushveld and usually on sandy soils or in rocky places. It grows between 400-2,000 m above sea level. It can grow in acid soils. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 600-1,200 mm. It can grow in arid places. It grows in Miombo woodland.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo DR, East Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten and have a good flavour. They are also used for jams and jellies. The fruit are also buried in the ground until the fruit pulp becomes liquid and then used as a drink. The fruit are also used for alcoholic drinks. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer. CAUTION: These are considered POISONOUS. The fruit and leaves can kill. The seeds may be poisonous. They contain strychnine. The seeds are also reported as being eaten.

The fruit are eaten especially by children. It is one of the most important wild fruit trees in Tanzania. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. It can be cut back and will re-grow.

In Tanzania fruit are collected from July to December. Ripe fruit can be stored in the shade for about 2 weeks.

Its other names

Local names

Corky monkey-apple, Danikavi, Eguni, Ikome, Kala nkonki, Kahole, Kasangole, Lidongansanga, Litungawai, Maboque, Mabumi, Mahuluhulu, Maninkave, Mnjichi, Mntonga, Mogwaragwarane, Monkey orange, Mtonga, Mtongatonga, Mukudubu, Mungono, Munungi, Musayi, Mutamba, Muzumwi, Polopopo, Suurklapper, Tengombale

Synonyms

Strychnos paralleloneura Gilg. & Busse; Strychnos schumanniana Gilg.; Strychnos suberosa De Wild.;