There has been considerable disagreement about the correct spelling for this generic name. It was originally written as Ancylobothrys by Pierre in the Bull. Soc. Linn. Paris ser. 2: 91. 1898. This was considered to be a mis-spelling by many botanists and Huber, in Fl. W. Trop. Afr. 2nd ed. 2. 1963, corrected it to Ancylobotrys. This name remained in common usage for around 50 years but several recent publications have reverted to the original spelling. We also are following the original spelling since it has now been accepted in the Kew 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families[].

Common Name:

General Information

Ancylobotrys petersiana is an evergreen climbing shrub, sometimes sprawling over the ground but more usually growing over trees and bushes[[]. It produces woody stems up to 6 metres or more that support themselves on other plants by means of tendrils[]. The mature trunk can be 2 - 5cm in diameter[].
The plant is eagerly harvested from the wild for its desirable edible fruits, which are eaten locally and sold in local markets[]. This little-known species bears apricot-coloured, pear-shaped fruit that some experts consider to have more potential than the related and better-known wild peach (Ancylobotrys kirkii). It is sweeter, tastier, and more attractive than its better-known relative, and therefore, they say, more saleable[]. Although not cultivated, the plant is often protected by local people[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eastern Africa - Somalia and Kenya, south to S. Africa, Madagascar and the Comoros.

Habitat

In dune scrub, among boulders on rocky hillsides, in mixed woodland[]. Open bushland or woodland, coastal evergreen forest, dry forest, at elevations from sea level to 400 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	6.00 m
Cultivation Status	Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant produces sweetly-scented white flowers[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The pulpy flesh is delicious[]. The flavour has been likened to guavas[]. The fruit is more or less round, with numerous seeds embedded in the soft pulp[]. It is eaten when both ripe and nearly ripe[]. The ripe fruit is eaten skin and all, but the semi-ripe fruit must be first peeled[]. The pulp of the fruit is soaked in water, squeezed and filtered. The juice is then sweetened with sugar and drunk after being cooled[]. The fruit is around 5cm in diameter, yellow or light orange when fully ripe[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The stem produces a white latex, which is tapped and used for making balls[].

The stems are flexible and used for ropes[].

Propagation

Seed -
Root suckers.

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