Wild Loquat

Uapaca kirkiana — Phyllanthaceae

Italiano: Nespola selvatica africana

Description

Wild Loquat (Uapaca kirkiana) belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Miombo woodland environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Wild Loquat is african woodland tree producing sweet brown fruits in clusters. One of the most important indigenous fruits of the miombo.. The edible parts include Fruits. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during December, November and October. Nutritionally, Wild Loquat stands out for its Vitamin C (45.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% 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, Wild Loquat offers a Sweet, honey-like, caramel-brown sugar flavor profile. Peel thin skin and eat sweet pulp. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Dried fruit, Fermented drinks. Popular preparations include Eat fresh from the tree or dry for later. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: None; fully edible when ripe. 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 Miombo woodland across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Eat fresh from the tree or dry for later

Preparation method: Peel thin skin and eat sweet pulp
Flavor profile: Sweet, honey-like, caramel-brown sugar
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: Oct, Nov, Dec.
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

8/10
Toxicity: None; fully edible when ripe
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Peel thin skin and eat sweet pulp
Flavor: Sweet, honey-like, caramel-brown sugar

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 45.0mg (50%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, Dried fruit, Fermented drinks Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Eat fresh from the tree or dry for later

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Miombo woodland
⚠️
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