Lesser mahobohobo
Uapaca sansibarica

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A small to medium sized tree. They are 6-10 m high. The bark is dark grey and rough. The leaves are scattered or clustered near the ends of branches. They are oval and 5-14.5 cm long by 2.3-7 cm wide. They are stiffly leathery. They are dark green above and paler underneath. The edges are rolled under. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit are yellow and round. They are 1.5-2 cm across. The fruit stalks are 1.4-2 cm long.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They grow at low altitudes in deciduous woodland and bamboo thicket. It grows between 500-1,830 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Burundi, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. The edible flesh is jelly like and sweet.

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed. Trees can be cut back and will re-grow.

In Tanzania fruit are avilable from June to August.

Its other names

Local names

Kasokolowe, Mchenza mwitu, Msokolowe, Mtoto, M'toto, Mutela, Nchenza nsitu, Rocosi, Sambrujasela, Tela

Synonyms

Uapaca sansibarica var. cuneata Pax;