Vangueria infausta aka Medlar

Vangueria infausta, or African medlar, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Its native range spans Cameroon to Sudan and South Africa. It grows in grassland, scrub, and open woods. It also occurs on termite mounds, rocky ground, and dunes. Its range includes warm regions with a clear dry season. People gather its fruit from wild plants for local use. Some growers keep it as a fruit crop or ornamental.

This slow-growing plant forms a deciduous shrub or small tree. Garden references give a height and spread near 16 feet [5 metres]. Broader accounts record heights of 5–26 feet [1.5–8 metres]. It has a short trunk and often forms several stems. Branches start low, giving the plant a broad, shrubby shape. The brown bark flakes as it ages. Large, dull leaves grow in opposite pairs and vary in shape. Small green flowers grow in tight clusters. Bees and other insects pollinate them.

Young fruit has a glossy green skin that changes with age. Ripe fruit may turn tan, dull orange-brown, or purple. The soft flesh surrounds seeds and has a sweet-sour taste. People eat the fruit fresh or dry the pulp for storage. Some soak the pulp in water before drying it. Sources also record eating the seeds raw or roasted. The seeds can form part of a relish. Fruit gathered in Tanzania sometimes reaches local markets.

Grow African medlar in full sun or light shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage. It also tolerates mildly acid through mildly alkaline soil. Established plants cope with drought and dry or moist ground. It grows best with daytime temperatures of 17–28°C. Dormant plants may survive cold down to about −5°C. Even a light frost can harm fresh growth. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Growers can raise new plants from fresh seed or cuttings.

The fruit gives this plant value in food gardens. Its wood serves for poles, tool handles, and farm tools. People also burn it as fuel in some areas. Traditional medicine uses its roots and leaves for several complaints. These records describe folk uses, not proof of safe treatment. The sources report no known hazards. They give no specific pest or disease problems.