Sambucus africana
Family: Adoxaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows up to 1-2 m high. It can grow 5 m high in warmer zones. The stem is juicy at first but then becomes woody. It is hollow or has a soft pith. The young shoots are hairy. The leaves have 6-11 leaflets along a 75 cm leaf. The leaflets are large with teeth along the edge. The leaflets are 12 cm long by 4 cm wide. One side of the leaflet is attached to the leaf stalk lower than the other. The leaf stalk is 12 cm long and with a leafy stipule at the base. The flowers are small and white. They are in a flattened head 7-15 cm across. The fruit is a small purple-black berry. It is edible. The berry is 7 mm across and ribbed. It contains 3-4 hard red seeds.
There are about 25 Sambucus species. This has now been reduced to 9 species and some subspecies. Also put in the family Sambucaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It occurs in East Africa. It grows in upland grassland.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seeds. Seeds can be collected of plants when mature. Seed sould be sown as soon as it is collected.
Plants are fast growing. They can be pruned and trimmed.