Red-leaved medlar
Feretia aeruginescens

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A straggling shrub. It grows 2-9 m tall. The young branches are hairy. The bark is thin and red and flakes off. The leaves are on new stems and branches. They are 3-14 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They are narrowly oval. The flowers are on reduced spurs on older stems. They usually occur in pairs. The fruit is about 2 cm across and bright red. The seeds are 6-8 mm across and flattened.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in woodland and often near rivers or anthills. It grows between 230-1,060 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit is very astringent.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Caiabussa, Kalume-kakaonga, Kaonga, Munuyansankula, Nangisya, Pink medlar, Tsacama

Synonyms

Feretia apodanthera var. australis K. Schum.; Sericanthe andongensis var. mollis sensu Robbrecht pro parte;