Kudu-berry
Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

An attractive rounded tree. It grows 4-6 m high. It can be 12 m high. The bark is light brown and cracked. The leaves are alternate and simple. The are roundly oval. They are 2.5-8 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They are blue green and paler underneath. The leaf stalk is 1.5 cm long. The flowers are greenish-white in clusters of a few flowers in the axils of leaves. These are 2-3 cm long. The sexes are separate on different trees. The fruit is round and 2 cm across. They are pale yellow when mature. There are 3 varieties.

There is only one Pseudolachnostylis species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in deciduous woodland and wooded grassland and on rocky outcrops. It will grow over a range of altitudes. It grows from 200-1,600 m altitude. It will re-grow after fire. It can grow in arid places. Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Australia, Botswana, Burundi, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for alcoholic drinks.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Soaking seed in hot water and allowing it to cool for 24 hours improves germination. Plants can be pruned or cut back and allowed to re-grow.

Its other names

Local names

Duiker food, Koedoebessie, Mojaphitu, Mokonu, Mokongu, Mokunya bambi, M'tolo, Msolo, Msono, Mudyamhembwe, Mukuvazviyo, Musangati, Mutolo, Mutsonzowa, Umqobampunzi

Synonyms

Pseudolachnostylis bussei Pax ex Hutch.; Pseudolachnostylis dekindtii Pax.; Pseudolachnostylis glauca Hutch.;