Nauclea latifolia aka Pincushion Tree

Nauclea latifolia is a leaf-shedding shrub or tree called African peach. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Its native range runs from Ghana to Gabon and DR Congo. It grows in dry savannah, thickets, woodland, and forest edges. People gather its fruit from wild plants for food. Local markets also sell the fruit.

Garden references give a height of about 30–33 feet [9–10 metres]. The crown can spread to 33 feet [10 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants reports extremes of 98 feet [30 metres]. Soil and moisture help account for this wide height range. Growth proceeds at a moderate pace. The open crown often branches near the base. Small branches are thick and hang down. Dark grey bark has cracks and a fibrous texture. The glossy green leaves are oval, with rounded bases and pointed tips.

Pale yellow-white flowers form round heads and have a strong scent. Bees and butterflies pollinate them. The round compound fruit turns red or pink and holds tiny seeds. It can reach about 0.26 feet [0.08 metres] across. Its deep red flesh is juicy and sweet. Sources compare its flavour with ripe apples or strawberries. People eat the fruit raw and cook the flower heads as vegetables. Seed-grown plants begin bearing fruit at about five to six years.

This tree needs full sun and a hot tropical climate. It grows best where the annual mean temperature reaches about 27°C. It accepts sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage. Mildly acid through mildly alkaline soils suit it. It grows in both dry and moist ground. Established plants withstand drought well, though high rainfall suits them. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12 and UK zone 10. That UK listing is not an RHS H-rating. Growers can raise it from seed, greenwood cuttings, or layers. It also regrows well after coppicing.

The tree gives shade, slows wind, and helps hold soil. Farmers use living stems as barriers and leaves as mulch. Its roots yield yellow dye, while its bark supplies tannins. The hard, reddish-brown wood serves for inlay work and fuel. Sources report that termites resist the wood poorly. Traditional uses include remedies for fever, cough, indigestion, and diabetes. These records do not establish safe or effective medical treatment. The sources list no known hazards, but give no pet-safety assessment. They provide no specific account of plant pests or diseases.