Lycium decumbens

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It often lies along the ground. It loses its leaves during the year. The stems are spiny and the leaves are succulent. It can grow 1.5 m high. The leaves are simple and oval or spoon shaped. They are on small spiny branches. The flowers are mauve and tube shaped. They are 1 cm long. The fruit are small round red berries.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in deep, sandy and stony soils. It can grow in desert and on dunes. It grows between 3-300 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Central Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Umbhovu

Synonyms

Lycium marlothii Damm.;