Diospyros austro-africana subsp. microphylla

Diospyros austro-africana subsp. microphylla

Family: Ebenaceae

Common names: Fire-sticks, star-apple, kritikom, jakkalsbos, vuurmaakbossie, kraaibessie

It is a much-branched shrub with rigid branches. The bark is brown, dark brown or grey, sometimes flaking in strips. The pendulous flowers grow solitary from leaf axils. The corolla is hairy on the outside, its lobes reflexed. Flowering happens in spring. The fruit is a globose, fleshy berry covered in hairs.

Sowing instructions: Sow seeds in summer in a well drained medium.

Locality: Napier. Harvest: September 2024