Salacia elegans

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

A creeping shrub or creeper. It can grow 6 m tall. It can grow 40 m long. The stems are flattened and have raised lines. They become reddish-purple with white spots. The leaves are opposite and usually shiny above and more pale underneath. They are 4-20 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. There can be teeth along the edge. The fruit are orange to red and 1-2.5 cm across. There are 1-2 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Malawi it grows along the lake shore. It also grows in rainforest. It suits humid locations.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Guinea, Guinée, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Southern Africa, Uganda, West Africa

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit, seed

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Miputuculue

Synonyms

Salacia cornifolia Tul.;