Ringwood tree, Bead maerua
Maerua schinzii
Family: Capparaceae
What it is like
A shrub or tree. It grows 3-7 m high. It has a dense rounded crown. The bark is smooth and can be whitish grey or reddish brown. The leaves are 4-6 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. They are oval. The flowers are white or cream. The fruit are long narrow capsules. They are constricted between the seeds.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows on dry sandy or stony soils. It grows on alkaline soils. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The fruit are ground to a pulp and mixed with water to make a drink. The fruit are sweet. The leaves are eaten raw. The root is boiled or roasted.
Edible parts
Fruit - drink, leaves, roots
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Etengu, Goradab, Lammerdrol, Moomane, Muteruteru