Nyimo Bean (S), Indlubu (N) Bambara nuts come from West Africa. They are now widely grown throughout tropical Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Central and South America and some parts of Northern Australia, although its cultivation outside the African continent is rare. Nyimo beans are important for smallholders and their households because the nuts are …
Mapfunde (Sh), Amabele (N) OVERVIEW: Where it does well: Sorghum can tolerate high temperatures, high altitudes, toxic soils, and low rainfall (400-800mm). Sorghum can recover growth after some drought; the plant goes into dormancy rather than dying. Planting-harvesting time: Sorghum is planted during the rainy season between mid-October and mid-December. Minimum tillage and planting in …
Mowa (Sh), Imbuya (N) Amaranths are annual herbs. They comprise about 70 species, including 3 grain amaranths. In Zimbabwe, we know the amaranth plant for its edible leaves, but in many parts of the world it is better known for its edible grain seeds. Grain amaranth is easy to grow, easy to harvest and easy …
Muuyu (Sh), Umkhomo (N) The baobab is an iconic tree of hot, dry areas of Africa. African people have been eating baobab for centuries; but until recently, the fruit had never left the African continent. The fruit powder is exceptionally nutritious. The oil is highly prized by the cosmetics industry for its skincare properties. OVERVIEW: …
Mupfura (Sh), Umganu (N) The Marula tree is indigenous to the Miombo woodlands of Southern Africa. Famous for its delicious fruits from which the Amarula liqueur is produced, and also enjoyed by elephants and other wild animals, which distracts them from going after farmers’ crops. The fruit is very rich in vitamin C. The nut …
Mashamba (Sh), Amajodo (N) Bush melons are the biological ancestor of the watermelon, now found all over the world, but which originated in the Kalahari region of Southern Africa. The fruits differ in shape (from small and round in the wild, to larger and more oblong-shaped under cultivation) and colours. The flesh can be white, …
Mungongoma (Sh), Umgoma or Umganuompobola (N) Mongongo trees have been used by Kalahari peoples for centuries. The wood makes excellent fishing floats, canoes, toys and musical instruments. The fruits are consumed especially during times of drought. The nutritious nut is pounded; the oil is extracted and used in cooking. The oil is also used as …
MONGONGO or MANKETTI TREE (Schinziophyton rautanenii) Read More »
Muchakata, Muhacha (Sh), Umnkuna (N) The mobola plum is also called hissing tree for the sound the bark makes when cut. As its fruits are sweet and very tasty and much sought after -rated the best African wild fruit!- the trees are normally left standing though when areas of woodland are cleared for cultivation. The …
Munhengeni / Mutsvanzva (Sh), Umthunduluka / Uholotshane (N) Ximenias are drought-resistant, thorny shrubs or small trees. In Zimbabwe, there are 2 species: Ximenia americana, the species that is currently commercialised and X. caffra, the fruit of which is commonly eaten. The oil of this species could prove to be commercially interesting as well, but is …
Mupfandichimuka or mufahore (Sh), Umafavuke (N) Resurrection bush is a woody shrub with tough branches. For most of the year it looks like an upright bundle of red-brownish sticks, usually no more than 50cm high. It is called resurrection bush for the speed with which apparently dead leaves revive when the rains come. Tea is …
Zumbani (Sh), Umsuzwane (N) When crushed, the leaves of the fever tea tree, locally known as zumbani, give off a strong lemon-like smell. It is said to be one of the most aromatic of Zimbabwe’s indigenous shrubs, related to the commonly used herb, lemon verbena. OVERVIEW: Where it can be found: The fever tea tree …
Chindambi (Tonga) Where it can be found: Native to West Africa, China and Thailand are now the largest rosella producers. The world’s best rosella comes from the Sudan, but the quantity is low. Mexico and Jamaica, Senegal, Mali, Egypt, and Tanzania are also important suppliers but production is mostly used domestically. Rosella grows across a …
Musau (Sh), Umpakwe (N) The masau is a tropical fruit tree species. Though not indigenous, it has widely naturalised in southern Africa and is found throughout Zimbabwe. Indian jujube is commonly found along roadsides where the discarded fruit pips have germinated. The fruits are rich in vitamin C and can be made into fruit powder, …
Madora (Sh), Macimbi (N) Insects are often considered a nuisance and pests to crops and animals, but they can provide food at low (environmental) costs and generate income and be part of fighting poverty in rural areas. Edible insects and caterpillars constitute one of the cheapest sources of animal protein. Mopane worms, the larvae/caterpillars of …
MOPANE WORMS (Caterpillars of the MOPANE EMPEROR MOTH, Gonimbrasia belina) Read More »
We transform neglected and underutilised indigenous plants into viable commercial “crops” that generate benefits for rural people and their environment.