Sand apricot-vine, Coast rubber vine, Wildpeach
Landolphia kirkii

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A shrub or woody climber. It is slender and can climb 25 m high. The stems are 1-2 cm across. The plant contains latex. The leaves are small, opposite and narrowly oval or sword shaped. The flowers are small and white or pale pink. They are in groups. The fruit is round and speckled. It is 5-7 cm across. It is edible.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It does better in areas with high rainfall. It grows in evergreen forest and along rivers. In Kenya it grows in coastal areas between sea level and 300 m altitude. It is usually on sandy soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa (country/location of origin), Eswatini, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, SE Asia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. The shell is broken and the pulp sucked but the seeds are discarded. It is also used for drinks and jams. The leaves are cooked and eaten.

It is a popular fruit and sold in markets. It is a commonly used fruit in Mozambique.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Fruit are collected from March to June. Ripe fruit can be stored in the shade for several weeks.

Its other names

Local names

Anggur karet, Ibungu, Kirk's landolphia, Mabungo, Matwatwa, Maungo, Melktog, Mlimbo, Mpila, Mpira, Mpo, Mubungu, Muhonga-ulume, Mukanga, Mukumululo, Muungu, Muvhungo, Muwungu,Runyangarwapene, Sand apricot, Ugooto, Umkuzi

Synonyms

Clitandra stapfiana A. Chev.; Landolphia delagoensis (Dewevre) Pierre; Landolphia dondeensis Busse; Landolphia kirkii var. delagoensis Dewevre; Landolphia polyantha K. Schum.; Vahea kirkii (Dyer ex Hook. f.) Sadeb; Possibly now Dictyophleba kirkii;