Solanum catombelense

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. The stems and flowers are spiny. It can grow up to 1 m high. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are alternate and have deep lobes. They are densely covered with star shaped hairs. The flowers are white or violet and have 5 stamens. The fruit are small orange-red berries.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid places with a marked dry season. It grows between 190-1,400 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The stems and leaves are eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, stem, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Manchu

Synonyms

Solanum rautanenii Schinz; Solanum sparsiflorum Dammer;