Scutia myrtina
(Burm. f.) Kurz.
Dry-my-throat, Cat thorn
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Summary
Source: WikipediaScutia myrtina is a species of plant in the family Rhamnaceae. It is commonly known as cat-thorn.
Description
A shrub, small tree or climber. As a tree is grows to 6 m high. It usually has many stems. The trunk is rough with corky bark. The branches are slender. The twigs are smooth. The branches have small, strong, curved thorns in the axils of leaves. The leaves are smooth, shiny and leathery. They are nearly opposite one another. They are often 1-2.5 cm long but can be 7 cm long. They vary from oblong to egg shaped and the tips can be rounded or pointed. The edges of the leaves are often rolled backwards. There are 5-8 pairs of secondary veins. The leaves are shiny on top and duller below. They have short stalks. The flowers are small and greenish-white. They have a sweet scent. They occur in small short bunches in the axils of leaves. The fruit are egg shaped and very small (0.5 cm). The fruit are green when young and turn red or black when ripe. They have a thin layer of flesh and 2 stones. The fruit are edible.
Edible Uses
The ripe fruits are eaten raw, especially by children, though they dry the throat. The roots are used in soups, and the leaves are also edible.
Traditional Uses
The ripe fruit are especially enjoyed by children. They dry the throat. The fruit are eaten raw. The roots are used in soups.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
Several species in the genus Scutia have been used in traditional medicine, such as the Ayurvedic system from India.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 1,200 m in South Africa. It grows on coastal sand dunes. It also grows on the edge of evergreen forest. In Kenya it grows from sea level to 2,700 m altitude. It can grow in arid places. In Yunnan. It occurs in the Western Ghats in India.
Where It Grows
Africa, Asia, Burundi, Central Africa, China, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, India, Indochina, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Rwanda, SE Asia, Seychelles, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Cultivation
Plants are easily grown by seeds. It is grown as a hedge plant.
Other Uses
Grown as a hedge plant.
Other Information
The fruit are eaten especially by children.
Notes
There are 3 Scutia species.
Nutrition
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | 76 | 366 | 88 | 0.6 | — | — | — | — |
Synonyms
Also Known As
Boodidha pandla, Cat thorn, Chettu, Chimat, Chobe, Droog-my-keel, Gariki, Haraang, Inguphunana, Isiphinga, Isiphingo, Isipingo, Isipingwa, Julie, Karunchoori, Kitona, Kitumbuu, Kondapariki, Kurudi, Letwa, Maguento, Mbombo, Migodha, Msiru, Mtanda mboo, Muhulanguari, Mulongari, Mutandambogo, Nyaka-biza, Ol-simewa, Osanankururi, Samburu, Sangan-gurure, Sodalie, Spindle, Sumbeyiwa, Sumboywa, Thovatti mul, Tsina, Tuvadi, Umsondeso, Umsondezi, Umugasa, Uqapuke, Uqokwane, Usondelangange
References (34)
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- Fox, F. W. & Young, M. E. N., 1982, Food from the Veld. Delta Books. p 314
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