Velvet sweet berry, Velvet bridelia
Bridelia mollis
Family: Phyllanthaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows to 7 m high. It often has many branches and is spreading. The bark is dark grey and often rough with vertical stripes. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are oval and 2.5-13 cm long by 1.3-9 cm wide. The young leaves are golden and furry. The older leaves have soft hairs. The edge of the leaf is scalloped. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow. They are in tight clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit are almost round and 10 mm across. They are clustered along the branches. They are finely velvety when young. They are black when mature. The fruit are edible.
There are about 60 Bridelia species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows at low altitudes. It is often amongst rocks. It grows between 100-1,525 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten fresh or dried. They can be used for jam and juice.
The fruit are eaten especially by children.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Capsipsa, Fluweelsoetbessie, Mokokokwena, Mokopakopa, Mudenhanyani, Mufukusi, Mukumbakumba, Munzvaraqauya, Musosoriondo, Muyani, Umgojomba, Umgojomba, Umkumbakumba, Umwane