Psydrax parviflora subsp. rubrocostata

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub or tall tree. It can grow 2 to 27 m tall. The trunk can be fluted. The bark is light grey to brown and slightly cracked. It has an almond smell when cut. The leaves are opposite and oval. They are well spaced along the stem. They are 5-15 cm long and have a pointed tip. The flowers are small and cream to white coloured. They are in dense stalked heads up to 6 cm across. There can be 20-100 flowers. The fruit are round or with 2 lobes and 5-8 mm long by 8-14 mm wide. They are soft and black. There are 1-2 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Tanzania it grows between sea level and 2,800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten fresh as a snack.

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

In Tanzania fruit are collected from January to May.

Its other names

Local names

Livilo, Maada, Mahangule, Mgongo, Mkomambuzi, Mkome, Msechela, Mshangati, Muebe, Omemuta

Synonyms

Canthium rubrocostatum Robyns;