Cape Ash

Ekebergia capensis — Meliaceae

Italiano: Frassino del Capo

Description

Cape Ash (Ekebergia capensis) belongs to the Meliaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Coastal forest, mistbelt forest environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Cape Ash is evergreen tree with edible pink-red berries and pale hardwood. Found in coastal and montane forests.. The edible parts include Fruits. With an edibility rating of 5/10, it ranks as a moderate wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, July, June and May. Nutritionally, Cape Ash 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, Cape Ash offers a Sweet, slightly resinous flavor profile. Eat only fully ripe soft berries. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating. Popular preparations include Eat ripe red berries sparingly. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Large quantities of bark/fruit may cause nausea. 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 Coastal forest, mistbelt forest across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Eat ripe red berries sparingly

Preparation method: Eat only fully ripe soft berries
Flavor profile: Sweet, slightly resinous
Edible parts: Fruits

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: Apr, May, Jun, Jul.
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

5/10
Toxicity: Large quantities of bark/fruit may cause nausea
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Eat only fully ripe soft berries
Flavor: Sweet, slightly resinous

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 Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Eat ripe red berries sparingly

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Coastal forest, mistbelt forest
⚠️
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