Landolphia camptoloba

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A scrambling shrub or woody climber. It has rhizomes or underground stems. It grows 3-8 m long. The leaves are thin. They are 5-7 mm long by 2-3 mm wide. They are narrowly oval and taper to the tip. The base is rounded. The upper surface is shiny and appears finely cracked. It often has tendrils. The flowers are white and have a scent. They are in loose groups of 1-4 at the end of the stems. The fruit is round and 2 cm across. They are yellow or orange with spots. They are edible when ripe. The seeds are 6-8 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in woodlands usually on Kalahari sands. It grows between 100-1,800 m above sea level. It grows on sand in dry forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Central Africa, Congo DR, East Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Mature fruit occur throughout the year.

Its other names

Local names

Dinsania, Dinsonia, Ibungo, Mbungu mbungu

Synonyms

Carpodinus camptoloba K. Schum.; Carpodinus gracilis Stapf.; Carpodinus leucantha K. Schum.; Clitandra gracilis (Stapf) Hallier. f.;