This small tree of east Africa bears an edible plum like fruit. Although the trees may reach a height of 15 to 20 feet, they are usually lower and have several trunks, which arch away from the main axis and produce a number of short, thick, side branches. The trees are often used as landscape subjects because of their unusual form. The oblong dark-green leaves are leathery in texture and have white veins. They measure from 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 5 cm) by 1 to 2 inches wide (2.5 to 5 cm). Cultural Practices: The trees are not particular in their soil requirements but respond to good culture. Blooming Habits: Greenish yellow flowers are produced in clusters along the branches in June. The fruit ripens to a bright orange color in August and is gone in 2 weeks. It measures 1.5 to 2 inches in length (2-3 cm) and 1 to 2 inches in diameter (3-5 cm). While usually 1-seeded an occasional fruit produces 2 seeds. A thin layer of acid-sweet watery pulp surrounds the seed. The rather tender skin tends to prevent packing and shipping of the fruit, but it deserves to be more widely cultivated as a home fruit.

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