Rigid star-berry
Diospyros squarrosa

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It grows 30-9 m high. The trunk is slender. The bark is black and flaking. The leaves are dark green. They are broadly oval. It loses its leaves during the year. The flowers are white. They are in the axils of leaves. They have a scent. The fruit are round and 2 cm across. They are yellow and slightly hairy.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It can grow on alkaline soils. It grows on termite mounds. It grows between sea level and 1,200 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

They are a pleasant fruit.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cachenz'ere, Chitomatomana, Mdzungu-muho, Mpomopo, Mpweke, Mupweke, Senzanicana, Sicana

Synonyms

Diospyros stuhlmannii Gurke;