Maerua gilgii

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A twiggy shrub, scrambler or small tree. It grows 3-10 m high. The twigs are green. The leaves are simple and do not have stalks. They are very narrowly oval. They are 5-12 cm long by 1 cm wide. The flowers are in groups of 6-9. The fruit is broadly oval and 1-5 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. There are 1-5 seeds. They are kidney shaped and 4 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Namibia, Somalia, Southern Africa, West Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Rivierwitbos

Synonyms

This may be the same as Boscia angustifolia; Maerua angustifolia (Harv.) Schinz; Niebuhria angustifolia (Harv.) Sprague; Boscia angustifolia auct.;