Wild Plum

Harpephyllum caffrum — Anacardiaceae

Italiano: Prugna selvatica africana

Description

Wild Plum (Harpephyllum caffrum) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Coastal forest, riverine woodland environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Wild Plum is tall forest tree with dense dark foliage and small red sour plum-like fruits, popular with birds and people alike.. The edible parts include Fruits. With an edibility rating of 6/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, December, February, January and March. Nutritionally, Wild Plum stands out for its Vitamin C (45.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV) and Iron (2.0mg, 11% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Wild Plum offers a Tart, sharp, sour-plum flavor profile. Pick when red; stew with sugar. Common culinary applications include Jams, Syrups, Fermented drinks. Popular preparations include Cook fruit with sugar for tart jelly. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Unripe fruit is very acidic. 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, riverine woodland across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Cook fruit with sugar for tart jelly

Preparation method: Pick when red; stew with sugar
Flavor profile: Tart, sharp, sour-plum
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: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
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

6/10
Toxicity: Unripe fruit is very acidic
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Pick when red; stew with sugar
Flavor: Tart, sharp, sour-plum

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: 2.0mg (11%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Jams, Syrups, Fermented drinks Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Cook fruit with sugar for tart jelly

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Coastal forest, riverine 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