Common Name:

General Information

Vangueria infausta is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a short bole, often with multi-stems, growing 1.5 - 8 metres tall[, ].
The edible fruit is one of the most popular wild foods in Tanzania. It is usually harvested from the wild for local use and sometimes also sold in local markets[]. The plant also has a range of local medicinal uses. The plant is often retained when land is cleared for cultivation and is sometimes cultivated as a fruit crop and ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - Cameroon to Kenya, south to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and northern S. Africa.

Habitat

Grassland, thicket and open woodlands, often on termite mounds, in rocky places and even dunes at elevations from near sea level to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A tree of the subtropics to tropics, usually growing in areas with a distinct dry season at elevations up to 1,500 metres[, ]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 17 - 28°c, though it can tolerate 12 - 36°c[]. The plant is fairly frost-tolerant and is able to withstand temperatures down to -5°c when it is dormant, though even light frosts can damage the young growth[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall of 800 - 1,200mm, but tolerates 700 - 1,500mm[].
Succeeds in full sun to light shade[]. Succeeds in most soils so long as they are well drained[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 7, tolerating 5 - 7.5[].
A slow growing plant, usually increasing height by less than 50cm a year[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, , ]. A soft, fleshy pulp[]. An acid, somewhat sweetish-sour flavour[]. The brown pulp round the seeds tastes somewhat like stewed dried, apple-rings[]. The pulp is sometimes soaked in water and then dried for later use[]. The green fruit usually ripens to a dull orange-brown or purplish colour. It is 15 - 47mm in diameter[].

Seeds - raw[]. They can also be made into a relish[].

Medicinal

The root is anthelmintic, antidote and purgative[]. A popular snake-bite remedy, it is also used to treat a variety of complaints such as malaria, pneumonia, coughs and other chest troubles[]. A warm decoction of the roots is considered to be an effective remedy for heart ailments in Namibia[].

The leaves are applied externally as a treatment for swellings on the legs; inflammation of the navel in children; abdominal pain; and for the relief of dental pain[].

Other Uses

The wood can be used as poles for houses, tool handles and agricultural implements[].
The wood is considered a good fuel in some areas, though in others it is said to bring bad luck if burnt[, , ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. It can be stored for up to 12 months if dried properly[].
Cuttings.

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