Velvet-fruited zanha
Zanha africana

Family: Sapindaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows up to 10 m high. The bark is dark brown, scaly and flaky. The leaves have 3-5 pairs of leaflets. They are oval and 4-8 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are leathery with net veins. The flowers are small. They are sweetly scented. They are in heads about 2 cm across. The fruit are oval and 3 cm long by 2 cm wide. They are velvety and fleshy. They are bright orange when mature.

There are 3 Zanha species. They are in Africa and Madagascar.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs at medium to low altitudes. It grows in the lowlands. It grows in open woodland and among rocks. It grows between 300-1,800 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places. It grows in Miombo woodland.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Central Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit have been eaten after boiling. CAUTION: They contains saponins and have been reported to be poisonous. They cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Seeds, fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Cana-lume, Capande, Chibangalume, Chiwangalumya, Cibanga, Madaula, Magogomere, Mjuju, Mkalya, Mkwanga, Mlimbaita, Mnughumo, Mtalala, Mtutumuko, Muchenya, Mugirilama, Mujiri, Musakala, Musiquiribanda, Muvanga, Mwanganya, Namecocoli, Ng'watya, Ntalawanda

Synonyms

Dialiopsis africana Radlk.;