Kalahari star-apple, Blue bush, Monkey-plum
Diospyros lycioides subsp. sericea

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 6 m high. It loses many leaves during the year. The small branches usually point upwards. It forms thickets. The bark is dark grey and smooth. The stems are spiny. The leaves are even along their length. They are 2-3 cm long and are hairy. The leaves are clustered near the ends of branches. The flowers are creamy white. The fruit are oval and red or yellow when ripe. They are 2 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is often along rivers and on termite mounds. It grows from 600-1,525 m altitude. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall of about 500 mm. It grows on rocky and sandy soils. It can grow in salty soils. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, Congo DR, East Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh and also used for drinks. They are also made into alcoholic drinks. The fruit pulp is sweet.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bloubos, Chitomatomana, M'dima, Mqatuva, Mukusukusu, Mumbune, Mupumhazvuru, Musbotamhingi, Mushawa, Mushumadombo, Musuma, Quilted bluebush, Umbongisa, umCatuga, Umqathuva, Umsungampule

Synonyms

Royena cistoides Welw. ex Hiern; Royena lycioides subsp. sericea (Bernh.) de Winter; Royena sericea Bernh.;