Septee saucer-berry
Cordia caffra
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
A small tree. The crown is spreading or drooping. The bark is smooth, light and flaking. It grows 6 m tall and spreads 7 m wide. It is taller in forests. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are thin and oval and pointed. They are dark green above and paler underneath. They are 6-12 cm long. The flowers are creamy-white and have a scent. They are bell shaped and in clusters at the ends of the stems. The fruit are round and deep orange colour when ripe. They are produced in small clusters. They have a cup shaped calyx around the base.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It is hardy to light frosts. It can grow in sun or shade. It usually grows in dry forest.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland
How it is used for food
The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in jams, desserts and preserves.
The fruit are not tasty. The fruit are especially eaten by children.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
It is fairly fast growing.
Its other names
Local names
Muconanjoho, Septee tree, Umbofu, Umlovi, Umlovu