Small leaved coca tree
Erythroxylum delagoense

Family: Erythroxylaceae

What it is like

An erect shrub or tree. It grows 2-6 m high. The bark is grey and rough. The branches are flattened near the tips. The leaves are alternate and the leaflets are small. They are broadly sword shaped. They are 1-3 cm long by about 1.5 cm wide. The leaf tips are rounded and they taper to the base. The flowers are white to yellow-green. The fruit are bright red and fleshy. They are about 1 cm long. They are edible.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in dry soils. It grows below 1,350 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ijobe, Izaza, Lijobe, Likhikhu, Luphehlwane, Umbanatsheni, Umneyana

Synonyms

Erythroxylum brownidnum Burtt Davy; Erythroxylum monogynum sensu Harvey; Erythroxylum pulchellum Engl.;