Vangueria infausta: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 19:00, 23 March 2025

Vangueria infausta, commonly known as the wild medlar, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is native to southern Africa and is known for its edible fruit, which is a traditional food source in the region.

Description[edit]

Vangueria infausta is a small deciduous tree or shrub that typically grows to a height of 3 to 7 meters. The plant is characterized by its rough bark and dense foliage.

The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptic to obovate in shape, with a dark green color on the upper surface and a lighter green underside. The leaf margins are entire, and the leaves are covered with fine hairs.

Flowers[edit]

The flowers of Vangueria infausta are small, white to greenish in color, and are borne in clusters. They are typically found in the axils of the leaves. The flowering season occurs in the spring and early summer.

Fruit[edit]

The fruit is a drupe, about 2 to 3 cm in diameter, and turns from green to brown as it ripens. The fruit is edible and has a sweet, mealy taste. It is often consumed fresh or used in traditional dishes.

Ecology[edit]

Vangueria infausta is adapted to a variety of habitats, including savannas, woodlands, and rocky hillsides. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soils.

The plant is a host to the gall mite Acalitus mallyi, which causes the formation of galls on the leaves.

Uses[edit]

The fruit of Vangueria infausta is an important food source in rural areas. It is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients. The wood of the plant is used for making tools and as firewood.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Vangueria infausta''', also known as the [[African medlar]], is a species of flowering plant in the family [[Rubiaceae]]. It is native to [[Africa]], where it is widely distributed from [[Senegal]] to [[Somalia]], and south to [[South Africa]].
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Vangueria infausta
+| image = Vangueria_infausta,_habitus,_Ncagaberg,_a.jpg
+| image_caption = ''Vangueria infausta'' habitus at Ncagaberg
+| regnum = Plantae
+| unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
+| unranked_classis = Eudicots
+| unranked_ordo = Asterids
+| ordo = Gentianales
+| familia = Rubiaceae
+| genus = ''Vangueria''
+| species = '''''V. infausta'''''
+| binomial = ''Vangueria infausta''
+| binomial_authority = Burch.
+}}
-== Description ==
+'''''Vangueria infausta''''', commonly known as the wild medlar, is a species of flowering plant in the family [[Rubiaceae]]. It is native to southern Africa and is known for its edible fruit, which is a traditional food source in the region.
-The '''Vangueria infausta''' is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 7.5 meters tall. The bark is grey to brown, rough and fissured. The leaves are opposite, simple and entire. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and are followed by edible fruits. The fruits are round, green when young and turn yellow to brown when ripe.
-== Habitat and Distribution ==
+==Description==
-'''Vangueria infausta''' is found in a variety of habitats, from dry savannah to moist forest. It is also found in woodland, bushland, and grassland. The species is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is also tolerant of both acidic and alkaline soils.
+''Vangueria infausta'' is a small deciduous tree or shrub that typically grows to a height of 3 to 7 meters. The plant is characterized by its rough bark and dense foliage.
-== Uses ==
+[[File:Vangueria_infausta,_loof,_Walter_Sisulu_NBT.jpg|thumb|left|Leaves of ''Vangueria infausta'']]
-The fruits of '''Vangueria infausta''' are edible and are often eaten fresh. They can also be used to make jams, jellies, and alcoholic beverages. The wood is used for fuel and for making tools and utensils. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach problems, respiratory infections, and skin diseases.
-== Conservation ==
+The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptic to obovate in shape, with a dark green color on the upper surface and a lighter green underside. The leaf margins are entire, and the leaves are covered with fine hairs.
-While '''Vangueria infausta''' is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction, it is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion for agriculture. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
-== See Also ==
+==Flowers==
+[[File:Vangueria_infausta,_blomme,_Schanskop,_b.jpg|thumb|right|Flowers of ''Vangueria infausta'']]
+The flowers of ''Vangueria infausta'' are small, white to greenish in color, and are borne in clusters. They are typically found in the axils of the leaves. The flowering season occurs in the spring and early summer.
+==Fruit==
+[[File:Vangueria_infausta,_vrug,_Schanskop.jpg|thumb|left|Ripe fruit of ''Vangueria infausta'']]
+The fruit is a drupe, about 2 to 3 cm in diameter, and turns from green to brown as it ripens. The fruit is edible and has a sweet, mealy taste. It is often consumed fresh or used in traditional dishes.
+==Ecology==
+''Vangueria infausta'' is adapted to a variety of habitats, including savannas, woodlands, and rocky hillsides. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soils.
+The plant is a host to the gall mite ''[[Acalitus mallyi]]'', which causes the formation of galls on the leaves.
+[[File:Acalitus_mallyi-mytgalle_op_Vangueria_infausta,_Pretoria.jpg|thumb|right|Galls caused by ''Acalitus mallyi'' on ''Vangueria infausta'']]
+==Uses==
+The fruit of ''Vangueria infausta'' is an important food source in rural areas. It is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients. The wood of the plant is used for making tools and as firewood.
+==Related pages==
 * [[Rubiaceae]]
-* [[Flora of Africa]]
+* [[Vangueria]]
+* [[Acalitus mallyi]]
-== References ==
-<references />
 [[Category:Rubiaceae]]
-[[Category:Flora of Africa]]
+[[Category:Flora of Southern Africa]]
-[[Category:Edible plants]]
+[[Category:Edible fruits]]
-[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
-{{Rubiaceae-stub}}
-{{Africa-flora-stub}}