Ziziphus zeyheriana

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 60 cm high. It has annual stems from a creeping rhizome or underground stem. The small branches are hairy. The leaf blade is oval and 2-5 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. The fruit are 7 mm across. They are round and have 2 seeds. The seeds are 5 mm by 5 mm.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It is often on termite mounds. It grows in grassland and woodland between 1,250-1,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The kernels are used for porridge and also as a coffee substitute. The fruit are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Fruit, kernels, seeds, seeds - coffee

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mothalo fasane

Synonyms

Ziziphus helvola Sond.;