About

Vangueria infausta, the medlar or African medlar, is a species of plant in the family Rubiaceae, which is native to the southern and eastern Afrotropics. Some other names for V. infausta in Southern African languages include mpfilwa in Tsonga, ngayi in Tonga, mmilo in Northern Sotho, muzwilu in Venḓa, umviyo in Southern Ndebele, mothwani in Tswana and umtulwa in Zulu.

The fruits are consumed by humans and have a pleasant apple-like flavor. The specific name infausta alludes to a superstition that an evil spirit lives within the tree and the misfortune from its use as firewood which is said to 'unlock' the evil spirit from the wood.

Where it grows

This shrub or small tree occurs in abundance in woodlands, scrub, valleys, stony kopjes, or sandy dunes throughout much of Southern and East Africa, including Madagascar. In Africa it is native to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. It may be found from 350 to 1,330 m above sea level.

Uses

The African medlar is 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. The fruit are consumed raw or the pulp may be dried and stored for later use, while the seeds may be roasted. Goats and game browse on the leaves, while other animals may consume the fruit on the tree, or after they are shed on the ground. The roots and leaves are used by traditional healers.

Other Vangueria plants

Wild Medlars · Wild Medlars · Vangueria agrestis · Vangueria albosetulosa · Vangueria apiculata · Vangueria bicolor · Forest Crowned Medlar · Vangueria burnettii · Vangueria burttii · Vangueria chariensis · Vangueria cinerascens · Vangueria cinnamomea