Vangueria volkensii

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 15 m high. It loses its leaves for a short time. The branches often arch over. The bark is dark grey and can be slightly cracked. The leaves are simple and opposite. The leaves are velvety and hairy. They are oval with a long point. They are 3-17 cm long. The flowers are pale green or yellow. The fruit are round berries 3 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the lowlands and the highlands. It grows in mountain rainforest. It suits humid locations. It is often in rocky places and on termite mounds. In Kenya it grows between 900-2,500 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit is sweet and acid and is eaten. Fruit can be dried and stored for up to 12 months and then soaked before eating.

Fruit are sold in local markets. It is suggested as a tree worth domestication.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds. The seeds grow best after breaking the hard seed coat.

In Tanzania fruit are collected from April - August.

Its other names

Local names

Engumi, Kaworo, Kikimoa, Mavuria, Mdyampofu, Msaadasada, Mukumoa, Mviru, Ndawiro, Ndowo, Olgumi, Olmadanyi, Theregho

Synonyms

Vangueria kyimbilensis Robyns; Vangueria linearisepala K. Schum.;