September bells, Small-flowered rothmannia
Rothmannia globosa

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 4-7 m high but can be 15 m high. Leaves are shiny. They are simple and opposite. They are 3.8-10 cm long. They are often sword shaped. The base is narrow. The leaves are dark green above and paler underneath. It has bell-shaped flowers. These occur singly or in clusters on short side branches. The flowers are 3.8 cm across. They are white and can have pink marks. They have a sweet scent. The fruit are round and 1.9-2.5 cm across. The shell is soft and corky but becomes hard later. The seeds are flat and imbedded in the pulp. The fruit are edible.

There are about 20-30 Rothmannia species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in coastal and inland forest. It can tolerate some frost. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, East Africa, Eswatini, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zambia

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It is fairly fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Bell flowered gardenia, Bell Gardenia, Cape Jasmine, Muulwi, Sikoba, Tree gardenia

Synonyms

Gardenia globosa Hochst.;