Bird plum, Brown ivory, Mountain date

Where does Bird plum grow?

Found in: Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Notes: There are 12 Berchemia species. They are very high in sugar. The Vit C content of the pulp is 65 mg/100g.

Status: The fruit are popular. They are sold in markets.

Growing Bird plum, Brown ivory, Mountain date

Cultivation: Plants can be grown from fresh seeds. The seeds germinate easily. Seedlings can then be transplanted. Seeds can also be sown directly in the field. Plants can also be grown from root suckers.

Edible Uses: The ripe fruit are eaten raw or dry. They are also used to flavour porridge. The dried fruit can be stored. The dried fruit (after the kernel is removed) are pounded with millet seeds and made into a biscuit dough and baked. The fruit are also fermented into an alcoholic drink. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer. The fruit can be used for juice, jam and sweets.

Production: Plants grow very slowly. When dry, the fruit can be stored for a long time. Fruit are normally available in the wet season.

Nutrition Info

References

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