Mountain waterberry
Syzygium legatii

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A small to medium sized tree. It grows 3-8 m high. It has a single stem that branches low down. The branches are dark brown. The twigs are square. The leaves are opposite and erect. They are 2-6 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They taper to a point. They are dark green and glossy above and more pale underneath. Young growth is pink. Leaves are stiffly leathery. The flowers are small and white. They are in heads at the ends of branches. The fruit is an oval berry 15 mm long and wide. They turn dark purple of black when ripe.

It is an at risk species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in rocky grassland.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Eswatini, Madagascar, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from fresh seed. Seeds germinate better in shaded places.

Its other names

Local names

Bergwaterbessie, Mutawi, Waterbos

Synonyms

Syzygium guineense subsp. legatii (Burtt Davy & Greenway) F. White;