Sand apple
Diospyros chamaethamnus
Family: Ebenaceae
What it is like
A small evergreen shrub. It grows 50-100 cm high. It forms dense colonies. It has underground stems that branch often. The leaves are dark green and shiny above. They have a reddish-brown colour underneath. The flowers are white and they have a strong scent. The fruit are oval and brown.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in areas with a rainfall of about 500 mm. It grows in deep dry sandy soils. It can grow in salty soils. It grows between 300-1,000 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Namibia, Southern Africa, Zambia
How it is used for food
The flesh of the fruit is sucked. It is also used to make a drink. It is used as a coffee substitute and also used for alcoholic drinks. The fruit can be used in soups. The fruit are pounded to remove the seeds and then added to water. The kernels of the seeds are eaten from green fruit.
The fruit is important in the diet of some Bushmen.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Dwarf jackal-berry, Makokothi, Mukuevu, Mungo-ngolo, Shikwewo, Tscaha