Common Name: Turkey Berry

General Information

Turkey berry is an evergreen shrub or tree growing from 1 - 10 metres tall with occasional specimens up to 14 metres[]. Plants are often armed with paired supra-axillary spines and are occasionally said to be scandent, [].
The plant is gathered from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and for its wood[]. It is also becoming increasingly cultivated as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - S. Africa north to Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Habitat

Evergreen rain forest patches and forest margins, also in woodland, often near streams, and on rocky outcrops, from sea level to elevations of 2,130 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	8.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of low to moderate elevations in the tropics and subtropics. It grows best in areas of relatively low rainfall with a distinct dry season, not doing so well in very dry environments or in moister regions[].

A very variable species, found in a wide diversity of habitats with growth habit reflecting that habitat[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. The fruit is a glossy green when young but, in ripening, becomes dark brown and wrinkled and may remain on the tree for many months[].

Medicinal

The leaves are used in the treatment of stomach ailments[].

Other Uses

The wood, which is hard, heavy and tough, is handsome and has been used in wagon-making and for furniture[].

Propagation

Seed - sowing can be done in trays or seed beds in a rich, well-drained medium, with equal parts of sand and compost[]. Place in a warm, brightly-lit area and keep moist but not wet. Germination times may vary, depending on the time of year, from under a month to up to 2 - 3 months and growth is rapid once germinated[]. Following germination, allow the seedlings at least 2 - 3 weeks of growth before transplanting into bags or other suitable containers for further growing[].

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