Quilted bluebush
Diospyros lycioides subsp. guerkei

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 1-4 m tall. It can have several stems. These have many branches. The branches are grey. The young twigs have soft hairs. The leaves are alternate and crowded at the ends of branches. They are broadly sword shaped. They are 3-9 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They are olive green above and more pale underneath. The veins are sunken above and raised under the leaf. Male and female flowers are on separate trees. The flowers are in clusters in the axils of the leaves and hang down. The fruit are round and 2 cm across. They contain 1 to 6 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the understorey on the edges of forests and along river valleys. It can tolerate drought but grows better with moisture. It is cold hardy.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

Caution: Reports vary as to how edible the fruit are.

Edible parts

Fruit, caution

How it is grown

It is reasonably fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Bosveldbloubos, Bushveld bluebush, Lethajwa, Motloumana, Muthala, Umchafutane, Umnqandane

Synonyms

Royena guerkei Kuntze; Royena lycioides subsp. guerkei De Winter;