South African Blackberry
Rubus pinnatus var. afrotropicus
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A straggling bush. It can grow 5 m high. The leaves are opposite. There are prickles on the stem. The fruit are red and sweet.
There are about 250 Rubus species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in forest clearings beside streams and swamps in West Africa. It is usually at higher altitudes.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Equatorial-Guinea, Guinea, Guinée, South Africa, West Africa, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
In Congo fruit are available from July to October.
Its other names
Local names
Mangeela, Mugangafwe, Mushenge, Uangubegube