Qalqalq, Mnafisi
Boscia coriacea

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It usually has several stems and many branches. It can grow 1-6 m tall. The bark is smooth and dark grey. The leaves are light green and leathery. They are narrowly oval with a sharp point. The flowers are creamy green. They are in dense groups 3 cm wide. The fruit are light green. They have a fleshy coat. The seeds are enclosed in a white skin.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in drier areas. It is usually on salty or sandy soils. It can grow between 150-1,500 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, New Zealand, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten after long boiling. The fruit are pounded to remove the outer coat. The seeds are boiled briefly to remove the outer skin then the cotyledons (seed leaves) are boiled changing the water several times before eating. The ripe fruit is sucked for its sweet taste.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, twigs - flavouring

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds sown directly in the field where they are to grow.

Its other names

Local names

Aytneba, Dhuorich Zoorich, Geri, Homura, Hurhurota, Isivu, Karkarota, Mdudu, Muthiu, Qalaaqal, Qarqarota, Sericho, Sorich, Sorichin, Sorichon

Synonyms

Boscia flavescens Mattei; Boscia paolii Chiov.; Boscia pungens Gilg.; Boscia somalensis Gilg.;