Torchwood, Torch fruit tree
Balanites maughamii

Family: Zygophyllaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows to 10-20 m tall. The tree branches about 1.8 m above the ground and has spreading branches. The trunk is 30 cm across. It has buttresses. The trunk is deeply folded. The bark is light grey and smooth. Branches which do not produce fruit have sharp thorns up to 4 cm long and then branches which produce fruit which do not have thorns. The spines are forked. The leaves on the two kinds of branches also vary. The leaves are compound with 2 leaflets on very short furry stalks. On the branches which do not produce fruit the leaves are longer. They can be 3.5-8 cm long and 6 cm wide. They are pointed. Leaves on fruiting branches have rounded ends. The flowers are small. They have a scent. They occur in small bunches. They have greenish yellow oval petals. The fruit are 5 cm long usually with 5 grooves. The outer shell is brownish-yellow. They contain a large bony stone surrounded by a thin layer of flesh. They are edible.

The fruit kill snails which spread Bilharzia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in sand forest. It grows in dry open bush country. It can grow in hot arid places. It is often near springs. In East Africa it grows up to 1,000 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten. They are dry and bitter. The seeds produce an oil.

The fruit are not widely used.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, seeds - oil

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. They are best planted where they are to grow. Root suckers can also be sued for planting.

Trees begin to fruit after 4 years. The seeds contain 46% edible tasteless oil.

Its other names

Local names

Green thorn, Groendoring, Inhulo, Ipamu, Liphambo, Manduro, Mchalacuse, Modolo, Mpambulu, Mudulu, Mululu, Nanculipi, Njuyu, Nnulu, Nulo, Ugobandlovu, Ummula, Umnulu, Umnunu, Y-thorned torchwood

Synonyms

Balanites dawei Sprague; See Balanites wilsoniana;