Tender sweetberry
Bridelia tenuifolia
Family: Phyllanthaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub or tree. It can grow to 10 m high. The bark is dark grey and rough. The leaves are broadly sword shaped and 4-11 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They have a velvety surface and are more pale green underneath. The flowers are small and greenish. They are in tight clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit are fleshy and about 7 mm across. They are black when ripe.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid areas with a marked dry season. It grows in well-drained sandy soils. It grows between 1,100-1,450 m above sea level. It can tolerate shade. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, Namibia, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Omutaneka