Lamprothamnus zanguebaricus
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 9 m tall. The bark is cracked. The leaves are oblong and 2-16 cm long by 1-7 cm wide. They are heart shaped at the base. They are shiny with raised veins. The flowers have a sweet scent. The fruit is 6-11 mm long and green but turns red. The seeds are oval and 5.5 mm long.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. In Kenya it grows from sea level to 500 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Mchesi, Mchomia, Mkokobara, Mtsome, Mtsomolo, Muk garach, Munyukufu, Mutsame