Synaptolepis kirkii
Family: Thymelaeaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It can be a climber. It grows 4 m long. The branches twine around other plants. The bark is black with lighter breathing pores. The stems come from tuberous swollen roots. The leaves are opposite and oval. They are 2-5 cm long. The base is rounded. The flowers are white or cream. They have a sweet scent at night. There can be one or more flowers in the axils of leaves. The fruit are berries. They are 1 cm long. They are orange when ripe. The seed has a black lobe at the end.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. In Tanzania it grows between sea level and 900 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The pulp of the fruit is sweet and is eaten fresh as a snack.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
In Tanzania, fruit are collected from March to May.
Its other names
Local names
Chohouje, Houje, Lukubi wa msitu,Mahari ya paka, Mbibikiu, Mfungapaka, Mjirambiri, Mkatu, Munjirembiri, Teverera