Transvaal mustard tree, Narrow-leaved mustard tree
Salvadora angustifolia

Family: Salvadoraceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 3-6 m high. The bark is greyish-brown. It is scaly and rough near the base. It flakes off in rectangular sections when old. Young branches are covered with soft grey hairs. The leaves are narrowly oblong. They are 2-7 cm long by 0.3-1.7 cm wide. They are succulent and greyish-green or bluish-green. They are covered with fine soft hairs. The base tapers then runs along the leaf stalk. The flowers are greenish-white. They are very small and in loose heads in the axils of leaves or near the ends of branches. These are 2-5 cm long. The fruit are oval and 5-10 mm long. They are greenish or purple with a white bloom when mature. The fruit are edible.

There are 5 Salvadora species. There is still some confusion over Salvadora augustifolia and Salvadora australis.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs at low altitudes in hot areas. They grow along river banks and on flood plains often on brackish sandy flats.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Madagascar, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Sasavy, Tanisy, Tsingilo

Synonyms

Salvadora australis Schwiek.;