Leatherplum
Salacia kraussii

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It can be a scrambler. It grows 1-3 m high. It can put up annual shoots from an underground stem or rhizome. The main stem has ridges at first. The leaves are alternate and with short stalks. The leaves are narrowly oval and shiny. The leaves vary in shape. They are 4-6 cm long. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are orange colour. There are several flowers in the axils of leaves. There are 2-16 with short stalks. The fruit is round and fleshy. It is 4-5 cm across. It is orange to yellow. It has a thin leathery skin and 2-3 large seeds. The fruit are edible.

The roots have antimalarial properties.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in dry soil. It grows below 200 m above sea level. It grows in coastal scrub. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for jams and jellies.

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chipua, Ibontsi, Mbossi, Mphyimsha, M'pshisha, Psixa, Umguguluzane

Synonyms

Diplesthes kraussii Harvey; Salacia alternifolia Hochst.;