Mtogotogo
Vangueria schumanniana

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A narrow shrub. It has many branches. It grows 3-4 m tall. The main branches extend upwards There are many small side branches. The leaves are light green and hairy. The flowers are cream. The fruit are 1.5 cm across. They are soft and green and turn brown when ripe. There are 2 subspecies.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Kenya it grow in wooded grassland between 1,000-2,000 m altitude. It grows on sandy and red soils. It grows in areas with rainfall between 500-700 mm per year.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten and are sweet. The seeds are discarded. The stems are smoked and used to flavour milk.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kitootoo, Mukumole, Ngomole, Ngootoo

Synonyms

Pachystigma schumannianum (Robyns) Bridson & Verdc.; Tapiphyllum schumannianum Robyns; Rytigynia tomentosa (K. Schum.) Robyns; ?