Mbutambuta
Maesa persicifolia

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

A shrub or compact tree. It grows 1-10 m high. It can lie over or become a creeper. The flowers are yellow or white. The fruit are waxy white or dull yellow.

There are about 200 Maesa species. They are mostly tropical. They are also put in the family Maesaceae. They are also put in the family Myrsinaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Fiji it grows from sea level to 1,200 m altitude. It can grow in dense or open forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Fiji, Pacific

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kutumirase, Kutu, Mbumbu, Marasea, Merikula

Synonyms

Maesa nemoralis sensu A. Gray; Maesa persicaefolia A.Gray ex Seem; Maesa densiflora Gillespie; Maesa parksii Gillespie;