Did you know that the fruit of Uapaca kirkiana is one of the most popular wild fruits in Africa?

Wild Loquat - Sugar Plum - Uapaca kirkiana

Uapaca kirkiana, the sugar plum or Wild Loquat  or mahobohobo, is a species of dioecious plant in the family Phyllanthaceae. It is native to the southern Afrotropics, where it occurs in well-watered miombo woodlands. Within range it is one of the most popular wild fruits. It is rarely cultivated but trees are left when land is being cleared. Still a traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known fruit has the potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable land care.

Uapaca kirkiana is a tropical small tree. It grows to a height of 5–13 meters, and 15–25 cm in trunk diamete, with a rounded crown and dark gray, rough bark. It can be evergreen or semi-deciduous. The branches are multiple and spreading and the bole is short and stout. The leaves are leathery, oval, and scattered or clustered at terminal branches. The dark green, glossy leaves are 12–36 cm long and 8–24 cm wide.

More....click here!