Velvet leaf
Vangueria vestita

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-4 m high. The bark is brown. It is rough and flaky. Young shoots are covered with densely woolly hairs. The leaves are broadly oval. They are 2-8 cm long by 1.6-7.5 cm wide. They are covered with woolly hairs. They are dull green above and yellowish underneath. The base is lobed and almost clasps the stem. The flowers are greenish-yellow and 6 mm long. The flowers occur in clusters of 10-12 in the axils of leaves. The fruit are round and 1.5 cm across. They taper towards the base. They are densely covered with soft hairs. Fruit are yellow-brown when mature.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs in open woodland often among rocks.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Tapiphyllum velutinum Robyns; Tapiphyllum vestitum Robyns; Vangueria zambesiaca Lantz;