Red pear, Mountain saffron, Red thorn-pear
Scolopia mundii

Family: Salicaceae

What it is like

A tree. It can be 9-25 m high and with a trunk 1.2 m across. The crown has spreading branches. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are 2.5-8 cm long by 2.5-5 cm wide. They are oval or egg shaped. The edges of the leaves have sharp teeth. The leaf is dark glossy green above and paler underneath. Leaf stalks are often red. The flowers are small and greenish-white. The groups of flowers are in the axils of leaves. The fruit are 1.3 cm across. They are round with a wispy point. The fruit are yellow or orange when ripe.

Also put in the Flacourtiaceae family.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows from sea level to about 1900 m altitude. It often grows on high rocky grassy slopes. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, East Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are kept for two days after harvesting then eaten. CAUTION: Some reports say the fruit are poisonous until kept to fully ripen.

Edible parts

Fruit, root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Eriudaphus mundii Eckl. & Zeyh.; Eriudaphus serratus Harv.; Phoberos mundii (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Harv.;