White-stem, Shepherd's tree, Coffee tree
Boscia oleoides

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. The flowers help distinguish this species from Boscia albitrunca. The leaves are hard and leathery. They are oblong and 2.5-5 cm long. They tend to be yellow-green. They have an easy to see midrib and are on short stalks. The leaves have small knobs near the base. The leaves are usually one after another along the branch. The flowers are small and star shaped. They have 2-4 petals. The flowers are usually at the ends of branches. They are yellow and have a strong sweet smell. The fruit is a smooth round berry. It can be 1.3 cm across.

There are 37 Boscia species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The bark from the roots is chopped and roasted for coffee. Roots are eaten as a famine food. The flower buds can be pickled in vinegar as capers.

Edible parts

Roots, flower buds, bark - coffee, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bastard shepherd's tree, Witgat

Synonyms

Capparis clutiaefolia Burch. ex DC.; Capparis coriacea Burch. ex DC.; Capparis oleoides Burch. ex DC.;