Kaheltta
Psydrax schimperiana

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-10 m high. The young branches are square in section. There can be wings. The leaf blades are 3-11 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. They are narrowly oval. There are 7-50 flowers in a group. The fruit has a stone and the fruit is 5-7 mm long by 6-8 mm wide. It is black when ripe. The stone is 6 mm long by 4 mm wide.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Ethiopia it grows in the lowlands and middle altitudes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

The fruit are eaten especially by children. They are a famine food.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Gaallee, Gali, Kahelta

Synonyms

Canthium euryoides sensu Bullock; Canthium myrtifolium S. Moore; Canthium schimperianum A. Rich.; Phalleria schimperi Hochst.; Plectronia angiensis De Wild.; Plectronia schimperiana (A. Rich.) Vatke;