Common Name: Mbola

General Information

Mbola is an evergreen shrub or tree with a dense, mushroom-shaped crown; it can vary in height from around 3 metres up to a fairly large tree 20 metres tall, but is more likely to be around 8 - 10 metres. Branches are formed from low down the twisted bole, which can be 25 - 40cm in diameter[].
The edible fruit is a very popular wild food in the areas where it grows, being especially valued by children[]. The seeds are also gathered from the wild for local use, whilst the plant is utilized for its wood and medicinal virtues[]. The seeds are sold in local markets[]. A valued tree in its native African range, it is one of the few trees that are left standing when forest is cleared for agriculture[]. It is also grown as an ornamental and to provide shade[]. Local people believe that the tree hisses if it is cut[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Tropical Africa - Senegal to Kenya, south to northern SW. Africa, Botswana and the Transvaal.

Habitat

Characteristic of wooded grassland with a high water-table and poor drainage[]. Deciduous woodland; scattered in upland grassland, often persisting in secondary bushland and cultivated land, sea level to 2,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropical and subtropical savannah, growing at elevations of 900 - 1,500 metres in areas with a pronounced dry season[]. It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperature falls within the range 14 - 30°c, but can tolerate 10 - 36°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 400 - 1,000mm, tolerating 100 - 2,700mm[].
Prefers a deep soil in a sunny position[]. Grows best in light soils[]. Often found on light yellowish-brown to reddish-yellow, gritty, sandy clay loams and red to dark red friable clays with lateritic horizon[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 7, but tolerates 5 - 7.5[]. It can tolerate small concentrations of copper in the soil[]. Dislikes cold winds[].
Trees can be coppiced[].
Because of its resistance to fire it features prominently in fire-maintained wooded grassland, especially in upland areas on the former site of montane forest[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. It has a dry but delicious flesh[]. A strawberry-like flavour[]. Somewhat astringent, it is one of the best wild fruits of the area[]. It has a pleasant taste when it has been stored for a few days until it is thoroughly ripe[, ]. The fruits can be pounded with water and the liquid obtained thickened with flour to make a gruel known as 'phala la maula'[]. A soft drink is prepared by peeling ripe fruits and soaking them in warm water[]. A nice jam can be made from the fruit[]. The russet-yellow, ovoid fruit is 3 - 5cm in diameter[]. It has a high content of protein and vitamin C[].

The seeds make an excellent substitute for almonds[]. Often roasted[]. They can be pounded and used in making soup[].

The seeds contain about 40% oil (70% in the kernels)[]. It is extracted and used for cooking[, ]. The seeds are dried, roasted, crushed, boiled in water, left to cool and the oil skimmed off[].

Medicinal

The root is highly valued for its medicinal properties[].
An infusion of the roots is used to treat toothache[].

A hot fomentation of the bark is used in the treatment of pneumonia[].

A leaf decoction is either drunk or used in a bath as a remedy for fevers[].
The crushed or pulped leaves are used in a dressing for fractures or dislocations, and for wounds, sores and cuts[].

Agroforestry Uses:

An important tree for bee forage[].

Other Uses

The bark contains tannins[]. It is used as a dye in basket making[].

The seeds contain around 38% oil[, ]. It is used in making paint, varnish, soap etc[].

The twigs are used as chew sticks to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy[].

The pale-brown to yellow-red wood is hard, durable and heavy, but is high in silica making it somewhat difficult to saw and plane[]. It is strongly fire resistant[]. A locally important wood, it is very suitable for fine woodwork, building and furniture making, and is also used for poles, dugout canoes and mortars[, ].
The wood is used for fuel[, ] and makes a good charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - it remains viable in normal storage for at least 4 years[]. The seeds should be sown in river sand in flat seed trays. Press the seeds down until they are level with the soil surface and cover with a thin layer of sand.
Germination is very poor and prolonged, commencing after about 5 weeks. Seedlings should be transplanted in the 3-leaf stage. Be careful when transplanting the seedlings, the taproot is easily damaged[]. Plant out when about 30cm tall.
Root suckers.

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