Vangueria infausta subsp. rotundata

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It can grow 5 m tall. The bark is smooth and grey. The leaves are opposite and large. They are dark green above and lighter underneath. They are soft and covered with small hairs. The flowers are white to green and 5 mm long. They are on a branched flower arrangement. The fruit are almost round and 4.5 cm across. They are shiny dark green. Ripe fruit turn greenish brown.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Kenya it grows from 10-2,450 m altitude. It can grow as well in open and in shaded areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The pulp of the fruit is eaten and the seeds discarded. The fruit pulp is added to milk or water to make a kind of porridge.

Fruit are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds germinate in about 3-4 weeks. Breaking the hard seed coat helps germination. The plant can also be grown from root suckers or cuttings. Trees can be pruned.

Trees grown quickly. Fruit can be harvested after 3 years. Mature fruit can be picked and kept to ripen. Dry fruit can be stored for a year. They are then soaked overnight before using. In Tanzania fruit are collected from November to July.

Its other names

Local names

Emaler, Mviru

Synonyms

Vangueria rotundata Robyns; Vangueria tomentosa Hochst.; Vangueria campanulata sensu Dale and Greenway;