Black Plum

Vitex doniana — Lamiaceae

Italiano: Prugna nera africana

Description

Black Plum (Vitex doniana) belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Woodland, savanna, forest edge environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Black Plum is tree producing elongated black sweet fruits common in African woodlands. Major seasonal wild food.. The edible parts include Fruits, Leaves. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during December, February, January and November. Nutritionally, Black Plum stands out for its Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV), Vitamin C (20.0mg, 22% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Black Plum offers a Sweet, plum-like, slightly tart flavor profile. Collect fallen ripe fruits or pick when black and soft. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Jams, Syrups. Popular preparations include Eat ripe black fruits when soft. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: None significant. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Woodland, savanna, forest edge across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Eat ripe black fruits when soft

Preparation method: Collect fallen ripe fruits or pick when black and soft
Flavor profile: Sweet, plum-like, slightly tart
Edible parts: Fruits, Leaves

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

7/10
Toxicity: None significant
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits, Leaves
Preparation: Collect fallen ripe fruits or pick when black and soft
Flavor: Sweet, plum-like, slightly tart

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 20.0mg (22%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Fresh eating, Jams, Syrups Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Eat ripe black fruits when soft

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Woodland, savanna, forest edge
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References