Varana
Antidesma madagascariense

Family: Phyllanthaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. The bark is brownish grey and cracked. It grows 5 m tall. The shape, size and texture of the leaves varies. They are often narrowly oval and 4-10 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. The flowers are small and reddish-green. The fruit are berries in small clusters. They are dark red and turn purple to black when ripe. They are shiny. They are 6-7 mm long.

There are about 100-170 Antidesma species. The leaves are used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Reunion it grows in forests between 100-1,600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Uganda

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten. They are also used in alcoholic drinks.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bois bigayon, Bois de cabri

Synonyms

Several