Millet thorn, Sweet plum
Sageretia thea

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. The branches are stiff and slender and can end in a thorn. The leaves are narrowly oval and can be rough. There are small teeth around the edge. They are 1-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are in interrupted groups along a stalk. The flowers are 3 mm across. The fruit is 4-5 mm long. It is black or dark brown. They have 3 lobes. Usually there are 3 seeds. There are some botanical varieties.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In China it grows in mountain forests below 2,100 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Arabia, Asia, Central Asia, China, East Africa, Ethiopia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Iran, Japan, Korea, Middle East, Myanmar, North Africa, Oman, Pakistan, SE Asia, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam, Yemen

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also used in brewing. The leaves are sometimes used as a substitute for tea.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ankol, Burlcha, Dargola, Gongair, Khadgu, Kharo, Kichil agam, Kuro-ige, Kutku, Luozi, Mamanra, Sangdongnamu, Thum, Tia

Synonyms

Rhamnus thea Osback; Rhamnus theezans Linn.; Sageretia theezens (L.) Brogn.; Sageretia theezans var. glabrescens Kitam.;