Maesobotrya barteri var. sparsiflora

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 10 m high. The leaves are broadly oval and 15 cm long by 6 cm wide. The leaf stalks are 2 cm long and hairy. Male and female flowers are separate. Male flowers are in groups and female flowers are on the stems. The fruit are red and succulent.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows as an under-storey plant in the rain-forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, West Africa

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten. They are also used for jam and filling for tarts.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Apotrewa

Synonyms

Maesobotrya edulis Hutch. & Dalz.; Maesobotrya sparsiflora (Scott Elliot) Hutch;