Caballero B. (ed.) Encyclopaedia of Food Science, Food Technology and Nutrition. Ten-Volume Set

Подождите немного. Документ загружается.

astringent and contain a sticky white latex. The fruit

is bright green and greenish-yellow to red violet when

ripe, and should be eaten when fully ripe. They are

quite delectable, full of cool, refreshing snow-white

pulp with a puzzling flavor. When allowed to ripen on

the tree, the fruits develop a sweet, delicious flesh

with a sapotaceous flavor and can be eaten fresh or

in preserves.

0019 The fruits are hard, smooth, purple or light green,

and globular (5–10 cm in diameter), with five or

six distinct ribs. The seeds (4–10) are embedded in

white, translucent, edible pulp (star-shaped in trans-

verse section) and arranged stellately inside the

flesh. An analysis of fruits (flesh) from Hawaii

gave the following data: dry matter, 11.47%; protein,

2.34%; fat, 1.39%; acids as malic, 0.17%; total

sugars, 4.40%; fiber, 0.86%; ash, 0.39%. The seeds

also contain a bitter substance, lucumin (1.2%), as

well as oil (6.6%), saponin (0.19%), dextrose

(2.4%), and ash (3.75%).

Madhuca indica

Hamilton ex. J.F. Gmel.

(Syn.

M. latifolia

Macbr;

Bassia latifolia

Roxb;

M. longifolia

L.,

B. longifolia

Koenig.)

0020 Vernacular names are illippe, buttertree, mahuva,

and mowra.

Type and Commercial Importance

0021 The fruit is a berry. The outer part is eaten raw or

cooked and the inner part is made into a flour for

cakes. It is valued for its seeds, which yield an oil

(vegetable butter) known in commerce as illeppe

butter, bassia fat, mahua butter, or mowra fat. The

oil is used direct or for cooking purposes in some

rural areas, and it is sometimes used as an adulterant

for ghee; for this purpose, it is clarified with butter-

milk to mask the odor. It is also used in the pro-

duction of margarine. Madhuca oil has emollient

properties and is used to treat skin diseases, rheuma-

tism, and headaches. It also has laxative properties

and is considered useful for the treatment of

habitual constipation and hemorrhoids (piles); it can

be used as an emetic. The seeds are employed as a

galactagogue. The oil cake is used as a cheap substi-

tute for shikakai for washing hair. The succulent

carolla are a rich source of sugar and also contain

appreciable quantities of vitamins, calcium, and

essential oils. These are eaten raw or cooked. The

flowers are largely used in the preparation of coun-

try-made distilled liqueurs. The flowers are also

used in the preparation of vinegar and essential oil

(0.05%).

Morphology and Anatomy of the Fruits

0022The berries are ovoid (up to 5 cm long), fleshy and

greenish in color, turning reddish-yellow or orange

when ripe. The seeds (usually one or two but up to

four in var. latifolia) are ovoid, pale brown or yellow,

compressed and shiny.

Chemical and Nutritional Composition

0023The fruit contains the following: moisture, 73.64%;

carbohydrates, 22.69; protein, 1.73%; fat, 1.61%;

mineral matter, 0.69%; calcium, 45 mg per 100 g;

phosphorus, 22 mg per 100 g; iron, 1.1 mg per

100 g; ascorbic acid, 40.5 mg per 100 g; carotene

(as vitamin A) 512 IU per 100 g; tannins are also

present. Seeds available in the trade contain 5–12%

moisture and the seed kernel contains the follow-

ing: oil, 51.1%; protein, 8.0%; N-free extract,

27.9%; fiber, 10.3%; ash, 2.7%. The seed oil has

a specific gravity of 0.856–0.870, an acid value of

5–50, a saponification value of 188–200, an iodine

value of 53–70; unsaponifiable matter accounts

for 1–3%.

Handling and Industrial Uses

0024In general, the fresh berries are not stored, but the

seeds, having a moisture content of less than 7–8%,

can be. Traditionally, the madhuca tree was raised,

maintained, and saved for its fleshy, sugary flowers

which, as they contain 73% sugar and possess a

strong flavor, were used to produce liqueur. In India,

this tree is saved and maintained by tribal commu-

nities only for this purpose (country liqueur). Trad-

itionally, the fresh berries do not have any importance

for table use but the seeds are valued for their oil. The

fruit ripens in May–June. The seeds are separated

from the fruit wall by pressing, and then dried and

shelled to obtain the kernel (70% of the weight of the

seed). The kernel constitutes the seeds of commerce.

The seed kernel yields 20–30% oil when crushed in a

primitive crusher, 34–37% in an expeller, and 40–

43% when extracted with solvents. Fresh madhuca

oil from properly stored seeds is yellow in color

without any unpleasant taste. Commercial oils are

generally greenish-yellow in color with an offensive

odor and disagreeable taste. The oil is fluid, often

throwing out a deposit of stearine in cold weather

when the oil solidifies to a buttery consistency. The

crude oil has a deep color with a high acidity and an

unpleasant odor. Refining and hydrogenation yield a

product similar to mutton tallow or cacao butter. Oils

having an acid value below 13 may be refined by

treating with caustic soda; those with higher acid

values are extracted with alcohol and further treated

with alkali.

2798 FRUITS OF TROPICAL CLIMATES/Fruits of the Sapotaceae

0025 The whole berries can be used in the production

of absolute alcohol. The fruits, collected near the

ripening stage, are rich in starch, which is hydrolyzed

into sugars in 2–3 days. The fruit pulp is used as a

source of sugar for alcoholic fermentation and 1 t of

dry fruits (freed from seeds) yields 130 l of absolute

alcohol. Steam distillation of the fruit yields a bright-

yellow, volatile oil with a spicy odor.

Mimusops elengi

0026 Vernacular names are Spanish cherry, medlar,

maulasri, bakul, and borsali. The ripe fruits are

edible, and the berry is yellow, pointed, smooth,

fleshy, ovoid (2.5–3.8 cm 1.3–1.7 cm); young fruits

are hairy. Seeds are solitary, rarely two, ovoid (1.5–

2.3 cm 1.0–1.3 cm), blackish or grayish-brown,

compressed, shining, smooth, with a hard testa and

soft, whitish albumen. Ripe fruits are sometimes used

to make preserves and pickles. The seed kernel con-

tains a fatty oil (16–25%). The flowers are also used

in distilling otto used in perfumes and stimulants. The

tree also yields gum and bark tannin (3–7%).

Manilkara hexandra

(Roxb) Dubard (Syn.

Mimusops hexandra

(Roxb) )

0027 Vernacular names are bulletwood, Ceylon iron wood,

Ceylon wood, khirni, raini, and pal. Ripe fruits,

which are sweet but astringent, are eaten fresh or

dried. The seed oil is useful for cooking, and are

sometimes also used for adulterating ghee. The seeds

are useful as a tonic, and are prescribed for leprosy

and delirium.

Morphology and Anatomy of the Fruits

0028 The fruit is a fleshy berry, 1.5–2.5 cm long, ovoid or

ellipsoid. On ripening, the green berry changes to

reddish-yellow. The seeds (one or, rarely, two) weigh

13.2 g per 100 seeds, and are 1.0–1.5 cm long, ovoid,

smooth, shining, and reddish-brown.

Chemical and Nutritional Composition

0029 The composition of the ripe fruit is as follows: mois-

ture, 68.61%; carbohydrates, 27.74%; fat, 2.42%;

protein, 0.48%; mineral matter, 0.75%; calcium,

83 mg per 100 g; phosphorus, 17 mg per 100 g; iron,

0.92 mg per 100 g; nicotinic acid, 0.66 mg per 100 g;

ascorbic acid, 15.67 mg per 100 g; carotene (as vita-

min A), 675 IU per 100 g; thiamin, 70.33 mg per

100 g; riboflavin, 77.41 mg per 100 g. The seed con-

tains 24.6% edible oil, having a specific gravity of

0.9150, an acid value of 1.34, a saponification value

of 191.1, and an iodine value of 65.1; unsaponifiable

matter (probably containing ergosterol) accounts for

1.02%. The oil has medicinal value. The plant also

yields tannin (from bark) and gum.

Handling and Storage

0030As the fresh fruit has little commercial value, no

special care is required for handling and storage.

However, to minimize losses, it is harvested as

per market demand. The remaining berries are left

on the tree for drying. Thus, as far as possible, the

storage of fresh fruit is avoided. However, the dried

fruits, which are packed in gunny bags and stored at

ambient temperature, remain in good condition for

1 year.

Industrial Uses

0031The surplus fruits are used for drying. The ripe berries

are shaken from the branches of the tree, or fall

naturally and are then collected and spread on mats

in a thin layer for sun-drying. After proper drying,

they are packed in gunny bags and stored. The seeds

are used for the extraction of oil by pressing in a

primitive crusher. The oil is pale yellow in color

with an odor reminiscent of olive oil.

Pouteria campechiana

(Kunth) Baechni.

(syn.

Lucuma nervosa

A.DC., L.

Salicifolia

(Kunth) )

0032Vernacular names are eggfruit, canistel, sapote borra-

cho, sapote amarillo, and ti-es. The fruit is edible,

subglobose or pear-shaped (10 cm long), and orange

or yellow; the sweet pulp has a musky flavor.

Pouteria sapota

(Jacq.) H.E. Moore &

Stearn. (syn.

Calocarpum Mammosum

(L.)

Pierre;

C. sapota

(Jacq.) Merrill,

Lucuma

mammosa

(L.) C.F. Gaertner)

0033Vernacular names are sapote, mammees, maneys

sapota, maney colorado, marmalade plum, and mar-

malade fruit. The fruit is very sweet and edible. An

important fruit in lowland, Caribbean areas, it is

eaten fresh or made into thick preserves, often in

combination with guava fruit.

Pouteria gardneriana

(A.DC.) Radlk. (syn.

Pouteria suavis

W.D. Hemsley)

0034The fruits are highly scented and possess a thin, edible

pericarp; they have an agreeable taste and are easily

digestible. The fruit is about the size of an apricot and

the shape of an apple, and is yellow and scarlet when

mature. The seed is semiovoid, rather like a large

hazel nut.

FRUITS OF TROPICAL CLIMATES/Fruits of the Sapotaceae 2799

Synsepalum dulcificum

(Schumach. &

Thonn.) Daniell

0035 In West Africa, acid citrus fruits are said to taste sweet

after chewing the fruits of this plant; whenee is the

common name. The fruit is red, oblong to ovoid (2 cm

long, 1 cm in diameter).

Xantolis tomentosa

(Roxb.) Rafrain (Syn.

Sideroxylon tomontosum

; Roxb;

Panteria

tomentosa

(Roxb) Baehni)

0036 Vernacular names are kanta, kumbul, and kumla.

Fruit is a berry (2.0–2.5 cm 1.3–1.7 cm), pubescent

when young, afterward glabrous, yellowish-green,

ovoid, and smooth. Seeds are usually solitary (some-

times there are up to five), 1.3 cm long, deep brown,

smooth, polished and shining, and compressed. The

fruit is eaten in curries and made into pickles. The

seeds are also reported to yield a fatty oil (41%). It

yields a saponin (2%) and fruit extract is credited

with anticholeric principles. The black seeds are

rubbed in lemon juice and given as an astringent.

The plant also yields gutta percha.

See also: Controlled-atmosphere Storage: Applications

for Bulk Storage of Foodstuffs; Drying: Drying Using

Natural Radiation; Freeze-drying: Structural and Flavor

(Flavour) Changes; Irradiation of Foods: Applications;

Phenolic Compounds; Preservation of Food; Ripening

of Fruit; Tannins and Polyphenols

Further Reading

Anonymous (1948–1976) The Wealth of India – Raw

Material, vols 1–10. New Delhi; CSIR, Publications

and Information Directorate.

Broughton WJ and Wong HC (1979) Storage conditions

and ripening of chiku fruits Achras sapota L. Scientia

Horticulture 10: 377–385.

Gopalan C, Sastri BVR and Balasubramanian SC (1977)

Nutritive Value of Foods. Hydrabad: Nutro.: Indian

Council of Medical Research.

Hernandez M, Chavez A, Bourges H and Mendoza E

(1974) Nutritive Value of Foods (in Spanish) Mexico

City: National Institute of Nutrition.

Nagy S and Shaw PE (eds) (1980) Tropical and Subtropical

Fruits. Westport, Connecticut: AVI Publishing.

Selvaraj Y and Pal DK (1984) Changes in the chemical com-

position and enzyme activity of two sapodilla (Malinkara

zapota) cultivars during development and ripening. Jour-

nal of Horticultural Science 59(2): 275–281.

Vaghani SN and Chundawat BS (1986) Sun drying of

sapota (Achras sapota L.) fruits. Indian Food Packer

40(2): 23–28.

Vaghani SN and Chundawat BS (1995) Export of mango

and sapota from Gujarat: a case study. Journal of

Applied Horticulture 11(1 & 2): 45–47.

Vaghani SN and Chundawat BS (1997) Processing of

sapota: sun drying technique. Journal of Applied Horti-

culture 3(1 & 2): 1–7.

Vaghani SN and Chundawat BS (1997) Development of

Processed Products Based on Sapota. Research Report.

New Delhi: ICAR.

Vaghani SN and Chundawat BS (1999) Standardization of

steeping preservation technology of sapota fruit slices

of cv Kalipatt. APG thesis. India: Gujarat Agricultural

University.

Lesser-known Fruits of Africa

R J du Preez, ARC-Institute for Tropical and

Subtropical Crops, Nelspruit, South Africa

Background

0001In Africa, there are numerous fruit species that are

well known and highly prized by local people who

often depend on these trees for food security. Africa

has a wide diversity of fruits that provide a source of

vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and trace elements

to rural populations. These wild resources play an

important role in the diet of rural people, especially

in times of food scarcity. Although there are numer-

ous different fruits, little is known of them except by

the local people. Very few fruits from Africa have

been developed commercially.

0002Some of the trees outlined in this paper have the

potential to be developed on a small scale and others

on a larger scale, if correct market development is

undertaken. The development of value adding prod-

ucts will result in a larger market, job creation, and

improved quality of life in rural areas. Conservation

of the natural biodiversity will also be achieved.

0003Some of the most common fruits found in Africa

are listed in Table 1. This is not a comprehensive list,

but includes some of the most common fruits. A more

detailed outline is given on 12 of the fruits listed in

Table 1.

Adansonia digitata

(Baobab)

0004Adansonia digitata (baobab) is a spreading tree,

about 10–15 m in height. The trees reach a great age

and girth. The leaves are alternate, compound usually

three- to nine-foliate. Flowers are waxy white and up

to 20 cm in diameter, solitary, and pendulous. The

fruit is ovoid, 120 mm or longer in length with a

hard woody shell, covered with yellowish gray,

velvety hairs (see Figure 1).

2800 FRUITS OF TROPICAL CLIMATES/Lesser-known Fruits of Africa

tbl0001 Table 1 Some of the lesser-known fruits of Africa and their uses

Species Common name Family Use

Adansonia digitata L. Baobab Bombacaceae Edible fruit, seeds used in making a refreshing drink,

subsistence from wild

Annona senegalensis

Pers.

Wild custard apple Annonaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Annona stenophylla

Engl. & Diels

Annonaceae Edible fruit, staple part of diet in certain areas

Antidesma venosum E.

Meyer ex Tul.

Tassel berry Euphorbiaceae Edible fruit, jelly, subsistence from wild

Artabotrys

brachypetalus Benth.

Purple hook-berry Annonaceae Edible fruit, alcoholic beverage, subsistence from wild

Azanza garckeana (F.

Hoffm.) Exell & Hillc.

Snot apple/Azanza/

Murojwa

Malvaceae Edible fruit, jelly, subsistence from wild

Berchemia discolor

(Klotzsch) Hemsley

Bird plum Rhamnaceae Edible fruit, sold in local markets

Borassus aethiopum

Mart.

Borassus palm Arecaceae Fruit edible, plant sap used to make wine, subsistence

from wild

Bridelia carthatica

Bertol. F.

Knobbly bridelia Euphorbiaceae Edible fruit, jelly, subsistence from wild

Carissa bispinosa (L)

Desf. ex Brenan

Num-num Apocynaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Carissa edulis Vahl Simple spined

num-num/carissa

Apocynaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Carissa haematocarpa

(Ecklon) A. DC.

Karoo num-num Apocynaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Carissa macrocarpa

(Ecklon) A. DC

Large num-num Apocynaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild, confined to South

Africa

Carpobrotus edulis Sour fig Mesembryanthemaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Cordyla africana Lour. Wild mango Fabaceae Edible fruit, contains ascorbic acid, subsistence from

wild

Dialium schlechteri

Harms

Zulu podberry Fabaceae Fruit made into refreshing drink, subsistence from wild

Diospyros kirkii Hiern. Pink diospyros Ebenaceae Edible fruit, jelly, subsistence from wild

Diospyros mespiliformis

Hochst. ex A. DC.

Jackal berry/Ebony

diospyros

Ebenaceae Edible fruit, fruit preserve, beer, subsistence from wild

Dovyalis abyssinica

(A. Rich) Warb.

Abyssinica gooseberry Flacourtiaceae Edible fruit, jelly, subsistence from wild

Dovyalis caffra Hook &

Harvey

Kei apple Flacourtiaceae Edible fruit, jelly, jam, cultivated as protective hedge

Dovyalis hebecarpa

Gard

Ketembilla/ceylon

gooseberry

Flacourtiaceae Edible fruit, jelly

Dovyalis zeyheri

(Sonder) Warb.

Oval kei apple/Wild

apricot

Flacourtiaceae Edible fruit, jelly, subsistence from wild

Ekebergia benguellensis

Welw. ex C.DC.

Woodland dog plum Meliaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Englerophytum

magalismontanum

Stem fruit Sapotaceae Edible fruit with ascorbic acid, wine, ‘brandy’, syrup,

subsistence from wild

Ficus capreifolia Delile Sandpaper fig/riverine

sandpaper fig

Moraceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Ficus ingens Miq. Red-leaved rock fig Moraceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Ficus kirkii Hutch. Crown-fruited fig Moraceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Ficus natalensis Hochst. Wild fig Moraceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Ficus sycomorus L. Sycamore fig Moraceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Flacourtia indica Merrill Flacourtia Flacourtiaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Friesodielsia obovata

(Benth.) Verdc.

Bastard dwaba-berry/

monkey fingers

Annonaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Garcinia huillensis Welw.

ex Oliv.

Granite garcinia Clusiaceae Edible fruit, contains ascorbic acid, subsistence from

wild

Garcinia livingstonei

T. Anders.

African mangosteen Clusiaceae Fruit eaten raw, jelly, subsistence from wild

Grewia bicolor Juss. Bastard brandybush Tiliaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Grewia flava DC Velvet raisin bush/

Brandybush

Tiliaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Continued

FRUITS OF TROPICAL CLIMATES/Lesser-known Fruits of Africa 2801

Species Common name Family Use

Harpephyllum caffrum

Bernh. ex Krauss

Wild plum Anacardiaceae Fruits eaten raw, jelly, wine, subsistence from wild

Hexalobus monopetalus

(A. Rich.) Engl. &

Diels

Shakama plum/

Baboon’s breakfast

Annonaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Hyphaene petersiana Arecaceae Edible fruit, palm wine from juice of young plants,

crafts, subsistence from wild

Hyphaene ventricosa Arecaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Lannea discolor (Sond.)

Engl.

Live-long Anacardiaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Lannea edulis (Sond.)

Engl.

Wild grape Anacardiaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Manilkara mochisia

(Baker) Dubard

Lowveld milkberry Sapotaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Mimusops caffra

E. Meyer ex A.DC

Coast red milkwood Sapotaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Mimusops obovata

Sonder

Red milkwood Sapotaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Mimusops zeyheri

Sonder

Moepel/Common red

milkwood

Sapotaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Dwaba berry

Monanthotaxis caffra

(Sonder) Verdc.

Annonaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Nylandtia spinosa Skilpadbessie Polygalaceae Edible fruit, thirst quenching drink, subsistence from

wild

Olea africana Miller Wild olive Oleaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Pappea capensis Ecklon

& Zeyher

Jacket plum Sapindaceae Fruits eaten raw, made into jelly, alcoholic beverage,

vinegar, seed produces oil, subsistence from wild

Parinari curatellifolia

Planch. ex Benth.

Mobola plum Chrysobalanaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Phoenix reclinata Jacq. Wild date palm Arecaceae Edible dates, subsistence from wild

Rhus lancea L. f. Karee Anacardiaceae Edible fruit, fruit used to make beer, subsistence from

wild

Salacia kraussii Salacia Celastraceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Schinziophyton

rautanenii

Manketti tree/

Mangongo Marula

Euphorbiaceae Large, edible oily nut, subsistence from wild

Sclerocarya birrea

Sonder

Anacardiaceae Eaten raw, juice, alcoholic beverage, jelly

Securinega virosa

(Roxb. ex Willd)

Baillon

White berry bush/

Snowberry tree

Euphorbiaceae Edible fruit, fruit has medicinal uses, subsistence from

wild

Strychnos cocculoides

Baker

Corky bark monkey

orange

Loganiaceae Large edible fruits, harvested from wild and sold

locally

Strychnos innocua Delile Dull leaved mukwakwa Loganiaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Strychnos

madagascariensis

Poir.

Black monkey orange/

shiny leaved

mukwakwa

Loganiaceae Edible fruit, fruit dried and stored, subsistence from

wild

Strychnos pungens

Solereder

Spiny leaved monkey

orange

Loganiaceae Fruit edible when ripe, subsistence from wild

Strychnos spinosa Lam. Green monkey apple/

spiny monkey apple

Morutla

Loganiaceae Edible fruit, green fruit used medicinally, subsistence

from wild

Syzygium cordatum

Hochst.

Waterberry Myrtaceae Edible fruit, alcoholic drink, subsistence from wild

Syzygium guineense

(Willd.) DC.

Woodland waterberry Myrtaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Tabernaemontana

elegans Hochst. ex A.

DC.

Small fruited toad tree Apocynaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Tama r in d u s indic a L. Tamarind Fabaceae Fruit used commercially

Terminalia sericea

Burch.

Silver terminalia/

Mangwe

Combretaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Continued

Table 1 Continued

2802 FRUITS OF TROPICAL CLIMATES/Lesser-known Fruits of Africa

0005 The baobab plays an important role in the econ-

omy of the local inhabitants, throughout its distribu-

tion. Practically all parts of the tree are utilized. In

West Africa, the roots are reputed to be cooked and

eaten mainly in times of famine. The trunks are often

hollowed out and used for a variety of purposes,

the most important being the storage of water. A

medium-sized tree can hold 1600 l, while a large tree

can contain as much as 8000 l.

0006 Bark fibers are commonly stripped from the lower

trunk. The tree, however, survives and generates new

bark. The fiber from the inner bark is tough and

durable and is widely used for rope, harness straps,

strings for musical instruments, baskets, nets, fishing

lines, and snares. Leaves, especially the young leaves,

are popular as a spinach-type vegetable or are dried

and powdered and made into soups and sauces. Fresh

leaves are rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and con-

tain uronic acids, rhamnose and other sugars, tannin,

and potassium tartrate. Leaves of the baobab are also

used medicinally – as an expectorant, against fever, as

an astringent and to treat kidney and bladder dis-

eases, asthma, diarrhea, inflammations, insect bites,

and general fatigue.

0007The husks of the fruits may be used as dishes or

fashioned into vessels. They can also be used as fuel

and provide a potash-rich ash suitable for soap-

making. Husks, ground into a powder, are also used

as a substitute for tobacco. The acid pith, which is

rich in ascorbic acid, is used as a substitute for cream

of tartar for baking. It is also ground and made into a

refreshing drink. The pulp is also used to curdle milk.

In East Africa, an extract from the pulp is used as a

hair wash.

0008Seeds are embedded in a powdery white pulp,

which contains tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate.

The seeds may be eaten fresh or dried, either sucked

or ground, and used to flavor foods. They are refresh-

ing to suck and, when soaked in water, make a palat-

able drink. They are also used as a substitute for

coffee. Crushed and roasted seeds can be applied as

a paste to diseased teeth and gums.

Carissa bispinosa

(Num-num)

0009The num-num belongs to the Apocynaceae family.

Carissa bispinosa is the most common species, but

Species Common name Family Use

Uapaca kirkiana Muell.

Arg.

Mahobohobo Euphorbiaceae Eaten raw, fruit made into a pleasant wine, subsistence

from wild

Uapaca nitida Muell. Arg Narrow leaved

mahobohobo

Euphorbiaceae Edible fruit, wood makes a good charcoal, subsistence

from wild

Uapaca sansibarica Pax Lesser mahobohobo Euphorbiaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Vangueria infausta

Burch.

Wild medlar Rubiaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Vangueriopsis lanciflora

(Hiern) Robyns

False wild medlar Rubiaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Vitex doniana Sweet Black plum Verbenaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Vitex mombassae Vatke Smelly berry vitex Verbenaceae Edible fruit, source of ascorbic acid, subsistence from

wild

Vitex payos (Lour.)

Merr.

Chocolate berry Verbenaceae Edible popular fruit with coffee-like flavor, subsistence

from wild

Ximenia americana L. Small sour plum Olacaceae Edible fruit, oil from seed, subsistence from wild

Ximenia caffra Sond. Large sour plum Olacaceae Edible fruit, oil obtained from seeds, subsistence from

wild

Ziziphus mucronata

Willd.

Buffalo thorn Rhamnaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

Zizyphus mauritiana

Lamt.

Jujube Rhamnaceae Edible fruit, subsistence from wild

fig0001 Figure 1 Fruit of Adansonia digitata (baobab).

Table 1 Continued

FRUITS OF TROPICAL CLIMATES/Lesser-known Fruits of Africa 2803

other Carissa species occur and are utilized by local

communities. The other species include Carissa

macrocarpa, the large num-num, which is confined

to South African coastal regions, Carissa edulis, the

simple spined num-num, and Carissa haematocarpa,

the karoo num-num.

0010 The num-num is indigenous to Southern Africa and

is found growing along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal,

the Eastern and Western Cape, and also further

inland in the Northern Province, Mpumalanga, and

Guateng. In Southern Africa, the num-num is pollin-

ated by small beetles, hawk-moths and other night

flying insects. Various degrees of unfruitfulness in the

USA have been attributed to inadequate pollination.

Some seedlings are light croppers, and others never

bear at all. It has been found that unproductive

plants, apparently self-infertile, will bear fruits after

cross-pollination by hand (see Figure 2).

0011 The growth habit of the num-num is usually a

somewhat scrambling shrub, or a small tree up to

5 m in height. The tree usually occurs at medium to

low altitudes in dry woodland and coastal scrub. The

spines are either once- or twice-forked, very occasion-

ally simple and up to 45 mm long. The leaves are

broad to narrowly ovate, leathery with a dark glossy

green on the upper surface, and paler green below.

The flowers are white to pinkish with a slender cor-

olla tube. The flowers are sweetly scented and borne

in terminal clusters or singly. Some plants bear

flowers that are functionally male. These flowers are

larger than normal with larger anthers and stamens

that are much longer than the style. Functionally,

female flowers have stamens the same length as the

style and small anthers without pollen (see Figure 3).

0012 The fruit is ovoid and fleshy, about 15 mm long and

red when mature. The skin is thin, enclosing a firm

reddish pulp in which numerous small seeds are

embedded. When bruised or cut, the flesh exudes

white droplets of a gummy juice. The fruit is edible

when ripe.

0013The num-num is subtropical but survives tempera-

tures of 3



C when well established. Young plants

need protection if the temperature drops below zero.

The best growth is obtained in full sun. The plant has

moderate drought tolerance and a high resistance to

soil salinity and salt spray.

0014The fruit, when fully ripe, is dark red and slightly

soft. It can be eaten fresh and can also be used in fruit

salads, icecreams, puddings, or for decoration pur-

poses. Fruit can also be cooked to a sauce, used in

pies and tarts or preserved whole by pricking,

cooking briefly in a sugar syrup, and then bottling.

They can also be made into jams or jellies.

0015Trees are often planted as a protective hedge, as

they form an impenetrable barrier, and fruit is then

regarded as a by-product. They are, however, slow

growing, and a long time is needed before they form

an effective barrier. Efforts have also been directed to

the development of dwarf, compact, less spiny types

for landscape use. Ornamental cultivars such as

Bonsai, Dainty Princess, Low Boy, Nana, Nana Com-

pacta, and Prostrata have been developed mainly as

garden species. These dwarf cultivars must, however,

be kept under control; otherwise, they are apt to

revert to the original type, as vigorous shoots may

develop and outgrow the compact form.

Dovyalis caffra

(Kei-apple)

0016Dovyalis caffra is subtropical but can survive brief

drops of temperatures to as low as 6



C. It does well

inalmostanytype of soil that doesnot haveahighwater

table. It is drought-resistant and tolerates saline soil.

0017It grows as a shrub or small tree, usually 3–5m in

height but sometimes reaching 8 m. It is vigorous

growing and rather dense and thorny. The spines are

fig0002 Figure 2 Carissa macrocarpa tree (num-num).

fig0003Figure 3 (see color plate 68) Flowers and fruit of Carissa

macrocarpa (num-num).

2804 FRUITS OF TROPICAL CLIMATES/Lesser-known Fruits of Africa

usually 20–70 mm long, although some trees are

spineless. It usually occurs in open bush and wooded

grassland. Leaves are often clustered on short spurs

and are oblong-obovate 20–50 mm long, glossy, and

short-petioled. The flowers are small without petals

and clustered in the leaf axils. Female and male

flowers are usually borne on separate trees. Fruits

are almost spherical, 25–40 mm long, and fleshy,

with a bright yellow, smooth but tough skin. The

pulp is juicy, highly acid, and apricot-textured (see

Figure 4).

0018Most people consider the fruit too acidic for eating

out of hand, even when fully ripe. It is best cut in half,

peeled, seeded, sprinkled with sugar, and allowed to

stand for a few hours before serving as a dessert or in

fruit salads. The fruits are pleasantly flavored and

make excellent jelly and jam when ripe and under-

ripe as pickles. They are widely cultivated both for

their fruits and as a hedge. Fresh ripe fruit contains

80 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) per 100 g of fruit.

Fifteen amino acids have been identified in the fruit.

Investigators in Egypt have demonstrated that the

roots, stem, and fruit, but not the leaves and branches,

possess antibiotic properties (see Figure 5).

Englerophytum magalismontanum

(syn.

Bequaetiodendron magalismontanum

)

(Stem Fruit)

0019Englerophytum magalismontanum, known locally as

the stem fruit, is widely distributed from tropical

Africa to KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It is very

common in the Northern Province, Gauteng, North-

west, and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa and

occurs on rocky hills and mountain slopes in close

association with granite or quartzite rocks.

0020It is a small to medium-sized tree 3–10 m in height

with a dense bushy habit, with branches often touch-

ing the ground. The bark is brown, flaky, or scaly.

The stem is straight with horizontal branches. The

young twigs, leaf petioles, and floral parts are

densely covered with dark brown hairs. The leaves

are alternate, oblanceolate to obovate-elliptic, usually

70–140 mm long with a width of 20–30 mm,

glossy dark green above with silvery to golden-

brown silky appressed hairs below that may wear

away on old leaves. The midrib is prominent on the

abaxial leaf surface with the lateral veins prominent,

immersed, but clearly visible. The leaf apex is broadly

tapering, sometimes attenuate; the base is tapering

and the margin entire, slightly rolled under and

undulated. The petiole is brown to blackish, rough,

and up to 14 mm long.

0021The flowers are inconspicuous, brownish pink in

color and about 10 mm long. They are strongly

scented and are borne in few to many flowered clus-

ters on the leafless stems and branches. The fruits are

ovoid and fleshy, 15–25 mm long, and 10–18 mm in

diameter. They have a definite ridge and a small point

at the top, and are densely crowded along the old

wood. The fruits change from yellow to orange and

finally to a dark, glossy red when fully ripe. Some

trees, however, bear fruits that are white to light pink.

The skin is quite thick and encloses a purplish fruit

pulp that contains a sticky, milky juice, and usually

one, but sometimes two, flattened seeds.

fig0004 Figure 4 Dovyalis caffra tree (kei-apple).

fig0005 Figure 5 (see color plate 69) Fruit of Dovyalis caffra (kei-apple).

FRUITS OF TROPICAL CLIMATES/Lesser-known Fruits of Africa 2805

0022 The fruits, which ripen during the summer, are

edible and have a high ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

content. They have a sweet, but somewhat astringent,

flavor. They may be used to make jelly, jam, or syrup.

Local inhabitants eat the fruit raw but also brew a

potent alcoholic drink (see Figure 6).

0023 Traditional medicine uses an infusion of the finely

stamped fruit, and the roots are regarded as a treat-

ment for epilepsy. The pulverized bark is used as a

cure for rheumatism, while powdered roots are also

used to relieve headaches. As the wood is tough and

durable, it is suitable for fencing poles, implement

handles, and hut building, and the Zulu tribe in

South Africa uses the wood to make milking buckets.

0024 In gardens, its evergreen foliage and brightly

colored fruits are decorative. The seed germinates

easily when fresh, and trees may also be propagated

from cuttings. The tree is relatively fast-growing and

hardy. The fruit is very susceptible to fruit fly, and a

spray control program should be followed.

Mimusops zeyheri

(Moepel)

0025 The fairly common moepel Mimusops zeyheri is also

known as the Transvaal Red-milkwood. In South Africa,

it is confined to the northern provinces and occurs

northwards into Zimbabwe, as well as Botswana and

Mozambique. It usually grows at low altitudes in hot

areas. It is frequently found on well-wooded rocky hill-

sides, in riverine fringes, at the margins of evergreen

forests, and in dry open woodlands.

0026 It is occasionally a large shrub, but usually a small

to medium-sized tree up to 15 m in height. The bark is

gray to dark brown, rather smooth in young trees,

later becoming rough (see Figure 7).

0027 The leaves are scattered, ovate, lanceolate to

oblong, about 110 mm in diameter, thick and leathery,

shiny dark green above, and a paler green abaxially.

The young leaves and twigs are covered with dense

hairs that are lost by maturity, and the leaf apex

is broadly tapering to tapering and is often

notched. The leaf base is tapering, and margins are

entire and slightly thickened. The petiole is up to

30 mm long.

0028The normal flowering season is during November

and December, when fragrant flowers appear among

the leaves. The flowers are creamy white and star-

shaped, about 10 mm in diameter, and clustered into

axillary groups of three or more flowers, often in

profusion. They give rise to green fruit, which ripen

in the spring. Fruits are ovoid, fleshy, 20–30 mm in

length and 10–25 mm in diameter. They are bright

yellow when mature. Beneath the rather brittle skin

is a yellowish flesh and several shiny brown seeds.

Although the edible flesh is rather dry and floury, it

contains about 65% water, 28% carbohydrates, and

90 mg of ascorbic acid per 100 g (see Figure 8).

0029Fruits of the common moepel are an important

item in the diets of rural inhabitants, as well as

many wild animals. They are usually eaten fresh but

often crushed to extract the juice, which is fermented.

Fruit can also be used to make delicious jams and

jellies. In some instances, the fruits are dried in the

sun and then stored. The tree could be an attractive

garden subject if situated in a well-drained area,

which has a summer rainfall and a mild winter

climate. The moepel can be easily propagated from

fig0006 Figure 6 Fruit of Englerophytum magalismontanum (stem fruit).

fig0007Figure 7 Mimusops zeyheri tree (moepel).

2806 FRUITS OF TROPICAL CLIMATES/Lesser-known Fruits of Africa

seed and, although it is considered to be rather slow-

growing, will flourish if well cared for.

0030 Freshly cut wood is pink, hence the name Red-

milkwood, but turns pale brown when dry. The

wood is moderately hard with a short, wavy grain

and is useful as a general purpose timber. It is also

suitable for woodwork, since it gives a smooth finish.

It is, however, not very strong or durable. Care should

be taken when working with green wood, as it

contains an irritant, which causes sneezing.

Sclerocarya birrea

(Marula)

0031 Sclerocarya birrea (marula) is a large, dioecious, de-

ciduous tree that grows wild in northern and north-

eastern South Africa and parts of eastern Botswana.

The marula is an erect tree that reaches heights of 15 m.

Male and female flowers occur separately, and al-

though they are usually on separate trees, this is not

always so. The fruit form varies from almost spherical

to oval with a tough, strong skin, which is light yellow

when ripe. The fruit flesh is soft, whitish, and contains

fibers. The flesh of its fruit is very juicy and aromatic,

and is eaten fresh or processed, yielding quality jams,

juices, and alcoholic beverages. The nut, which can be

eaten fresh or roasted, has a high protein content and

contains a nondrying oil that can be used for soap

production as well as in food preparations. The fruit

usually ripens from January and falls from the tree

before it is ripe. The fruit is climacteric and will there-

fore only ripen after harvesting. There are numerous

other uses for the marula tree, all of which present

opportunities to rural communities (see Figure 9).

0032The fruit serves as an important source of ascorbic

acid (vitamin C) for the rural people. The marula

has a high ascorbic acid content of between 54

and 190 mg per 100 g, depending on the selection.

This is much higher than the average amount of

ascorbic acid found in the orange. In an area that

suffers from problems of malnutrition and mineral

deficiencies, demand for the fruit will always be

high (see Figure 10).

0033When mature in February/March, the green fruit

abscise, followed by a skin color change to yellow,

flesh softening, and aroma development. The most

popular product obtained through fermentation of

the fruit is an alcoholic beer made by rural commu-

nities. Rural communities have a high regard for the

marula tree, and so it is not used for firewood and

other purposes. The marula has become commercial-

ized over the past few years, although it has not yet

been planted in orchards. The fruit has been used to

make a creamy liqueur, which is now sold inter-

nationally. The fruit pulp is used to make jellies and

jams as well as locally sold fruit juice and beers. The

biggest potential for marula probably lies in the oil

derived from the kernel of the nut because of its

unique qualities.

Tamarindus indica

(Tamarind)

0034The tamarind is native to tropical Africa and grows

wild throughout the Sudan. It was introduced so long

ago into India and other parts of southern Asia that it

is often reported as being indigenous there. It has now

reached the southern limit of its range in Mozam-

bique and has also become naturalized round Durban

fig0008 Figure 8 (see color plate 70) Fruit of Mimusops zeyheri (moepel).

fig0009Figure 9 Sclerocarya birrea tree (marula).

FRUITS OF TROPICAL CLIMATES/Lesser-known Fruits of Africa 2807