Psydrax parviflora subsp. rubrocostata
(Robyns) Bridson
gbif· cc-by-nc-sa
MBG
gbif· cc-by-nc-sa
MBG
gbif· cc-by-nc-sa
MBG
Description
An evergreen shrub or tall tree. It can grow 2 to 27 m tall. The trunk can be fluted. The bark is light grey to brown and slightly cracked. It has an almond smell when cut. The leaves are opposite and oval. They are well spaced along the stem. They are 5-15 cm long and have a pointed tip. The flowers are small and cream to white coloured. They are in dense stalked heads up to 6 cm across. There can be 20-100 flowers. The fruit are round or with 2 lobes and 5-8 mm long by 8-14 mm wide. They are soft and black. There are 1-2 seeds.
Edible Uses
The ripe fruit are eaten fresh as a snack, especially by children.
Traditional Uses
The ripe fruit are eaten fresh as a snack.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. In Tanzania it grows between sea level and 2,800 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown by seeds.
Production
In Tanzania fruit are collected from January to May.
Other Information
The fruit are especially eaten by children.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Livilo, Maada, Mahangule, Mgongo, Mkomambuzi, Mkome, Msechela, Mshangati, Muebe, Omemuta
References (3)
- East African Herbarium records, 1981,
- Peters, C. R., O'Brien, E. M., and Drummond, R.B., 1992, Edible Wild plants of Sub-saharan Africa. Kew. p 174
- Ruffo, C. K., Birnie, A. & Tengnas, B., 2002, Edible Wild Plants of Tanzania. RELMA p 548
