Small bone-apple, Lesser thicket-thorn
Coddia rudis

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It can grow 2.5 m high. It has many branches. Young branches are grey. They often arch over. The leaves are small and shiny. They are in clusters on opposite sides of the stem. They are 2 cm wide and 2.5 cm long. The flowers are small and bell shaped. They are 10-15 mm across. They are white. The fruit are greenish-brown and round. They are 8 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows on the edges of forests along rivers. It grows from sea level to 1,290 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten as a snack. The stems are used for flavouring and as a preservative.

Edible parts

Fruit, stem - flavouring

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seeds. Seeds should be pre-soaked in warm water overnight before planting. Seedlings can be transplanted.

Plants grow quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Mahlamganisa, Mahlanganisa, Sikhwakhwane, Silulwane, umGogwane, umDondwane

Synonyms

Randia rudis E. Mey. ex Harv.; Xeromphis rudis (E. Mey. ex Harv.) Codd.;