Water ironplum
Drypetes arguta

Family: Putranjivaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub or tree. It grows to 6 m high. The bark is slightly rough and cracked. The leaves are simple and carried alternately. The leaves are sword shaped or oval. The base of the leaves is round and uneven and notched. The leaf tapers towards a pointed tip. The leaves are 4-8 cm long and with sharp teeth along the edge. They have very short leaf stalks. The male and female flowers are on separate trees. The grow in the axils of the leaves in young growth. The fruit are round and apricot red. They are 2 cm across and have 2 cells. The fruit is edible.

There are about 200 Drypetes species. These were previously in the Euphorbiaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in coastal forest and near streams. It can grow in arid places. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 6

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten raw. It is also used to make an alcoholic drink. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bastard white ironwood, Kushwane tree, Umkaswane, Umkhashwane, Water drypetes, Water ironplum

Synonyms

Cyclostemon argutus Muell. Arg.;