African honeysuckle
A subtropical plant. It grows on the edge of mountain and river forests. It can tolerate some frost but does not thrive in cold conditions. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.
Also known as:
Iliminza, Indomela, Lebetsa, Liminta, Londomela, Morebve, Mubaratsotsa, Mutapahuro, Notsung, Songodorere, Tree fuchsia, Umbinda, Umbindza, Umbinta, Umbinza, Umbita, Umhlahlakanya, Umminta, Unobibi, Unondomela, White olive, Wild fuchsia
Synonyms
- Halleria abyssinica Jaub. & Spach
Edible Portion
- Fruit, Flowers - nectar
Where does African honeysuckle grow?
Found in: Africa, Angola, Australia, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Notes: There are 4-5 Halleria species. They grow in southern Africa.
Status: Fruit are eaten especially by children.
Growing African honeysuckle
Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed. The flesh should be removed from the seeds. These take about 6 weeks to germinate. Plants can also be grown from cuttings. These are best treated with a rooting hormone. Roots develop in about 6 weeks. Plants can also be grown by layering. A spacing of 1-4 m is suitable.
Edible Uses: The fruit are eaten raw. They are very sweet. They are used in fruit salads. They can be stored. The flowers are sucked for their nectar.
Production: Trees can produce fruit after 2 years but yields increase in later years. In times of famine the green fruit are harvested and stored in a hole for several days to ripen.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
African honeysuckle Photos
References
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