Parinari curatellifolia

Parinari curatellifolia is also called mobola plum. It belongs to the plant family Chrysobalanaceae. It is native to tropical and southern Africa. Its range also includes islands in the western Indian Ocean. It grows in woods, grassland with trees, and land cleared for crops. Some wild sites have high groundwater and drain poorly. People often keep these valued trees when they clear farms.

This evergreen tree grows at a slow pace. It has a broad, dense crown of leaves and branches. Low branches spread from a twisted trunk. They give the tree a shape like a mushroom. Trees often stand 26–33 feet [8–10 metres] tall. Garden sources give about 49 feet [15 metres] for both height and spread. Reports of larger trees give heights of 66–72 feet [20–22 metres]. These trees reach 66 feet [20 metres] wide. Some stay shrub-sized, at about 10 feet [3 metres]. Heavy limbs may hang down or grow upright.

Bees pollinate the flowers, which give them a useful food source. The oval fruit turns yellow with a russet cast. Its dry flesh tastes like strawberries but can make the mouth pucker. A few days in storage help the fruit ripen fully. People eat it fresh or cooked, or make drinks and jam. They mix fruit liquid with flour to make gruel. People eat seeds roasted, boiled, or ground into powder. Sources report no known hazards. This does not mean the plant is safe for pets.

Grow mobola plum in full sun and deep soil. It grows best in light soils, but accepts loam and clay. It prefers moist ground but can cope with drought. Sources advise soil that drains well. This holds despite its wild growth on sites that drain poorly. Soil that is slightly acid to neutral suits it well. This tree grows in tropical and subtropical zones. It needs shelter from frost. PFAF places it in USDA zones 10–12. Seeds can be slow to sprout, and few may grow. They start after about five weeks. Young plants have a main root called a taproot. Moving them can harm this root with ease.

The broad crown gives shade; people also plant it for its looks. The hard, heavy wood serves for buildings, furniture, and fine woodwork. Silica in the wood makes it harder to saw and plane. The bark yields tannins and dye for basket work. Seed oil goes into paint, varnish, and soap. Folk remedies use roots for toothache. They use leaves for fever and wounds. These reports describe folk use, not proven health benefits.