Tugela milkwood
Vitellariopsis dispar

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

A large shrub or small tree. It can grow 10 m tall. The leaves are broadly sword shaped or wedge shaped. They are 2-7 cm long by 0.8-2.5 cm wide. The edges are slightly curved back. There can be up to 20 flowers on one twig. The fruit are yellowish-green. They have short brown hairs. The fruit are 2-3 cm long by 1.5-2.5 cm wide.

It is an at risk species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in savannah and along streams.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Eswatini, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Fruit skin

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Umphumbulu

Synonyms

Austromimusops dispar (N. E. Br.) A. Meeuse; Baillonella dispar (N. E. Br.) Baehni; Mimusops dispar N. E. Br.;