Pygmy medlar
Pygmaeothamnus chamaedendrum
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It has a stout underground rootstock and it grows from this each year. It grows up to 25 cm high. The stems are woody. The leaves are opposite and are mainly at the tips of the shoots. They are sword shaped or oval and narrow to the base. The flowers are below the leaves. The fruit is fleshy and has 1 or 2 seeds.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Eswatini, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Umgulutane, Umkhuma