Maesa lanceolata var. rufescens

(A. DC.) Taton

Primulaceae Edible: Leaves, Vegetable, Fruit Potential hazards — see below 1,281 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Maesa lanceolata, or the false assegai, is a tree species that is widespread in the Afrotropics, including Madagascar. It occurs from the southern Arabian Peninsula to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It grows on stream verges, river banks and forest verges, where it is often a pioneer plant.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-10 m tall. It can be climbing. The leaves are oval and 5-22 cm long by 2-12 cm wide. The leaves are softly hairy underneath. The flowers are small and creamy-white. They are in branched heads 10 cm long. The fruit is small, round, white and fleshy.

Edible Uses

Young leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The fruit is also edible.

Traditional Uses

Young leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Known Hazards

Though considered toxic to human the extracts of Maesa lanceolata have been used in different communities to treat various ailments. In East Africa root and fruit extracts are used by native healers in decoctions to treat cholera disease, tapeworm and sore throat.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in forests near rivers.

Where It Grows

Africa, Central Africa, Congo DR, Madagascar, South Africa, Southern Africa,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seeds. The fruit are dried and crushed to release the seeds and then sown. They are best put in a nursery and later transplanted.

Production

It grows quickly.

Notes

They are also put in the family Myrsinaceae.

Synonyms

Maesa bequaerti De Wild.Maesa djalonis A. Chev.Maesa lanceolata var. djalonensis Jaq.-Fel.Maesa lanceolata var. golungensis HiernMaesa rufescens A.DC.and others