Mbohoya, Mwungo-wungo.

Ancylobotrys petersiana

Physical Characteristics

Ancylobotrys petersiana is an evergreen Climber growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Eastern Africa - Somalia and Kenya, south to S. Africa.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw[ 323 ]. The pulpy flesh is delicious[ 308 ]. The flavour has been likened to guavas[ 323 ]. The fruit is more or less round, with numerous seeds embedded in the soft pulp[ 323 ]. It is eaten when both ripe and nearly ripe[ 323 ]. The ripe fruit is eaten skin and all, but the semi-ripe fruit must be first peeled[ 323 ]. The pulp of the fruit is soaked in water, squeezed and filtered. The juice is then sweetened with sugar and drunk after being cooled[ 398 ]. It is also frozen and eaten as iced blocks. The fruit is around 5cm in diameter, yellow or light orange when fully ripe[ 308 ]. Fruit can be stored for about 2 weeks.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known