Planted
Setswana: Mmorojwa
For a valuable edible fruit, Snot Apple is not a name that makes you rush to pick and eat. However the other common name, the “African Chewing Gum tree”, does however offer a better description of what this fruit is like to eat.
The tree is of the Malvaceae family, which is the hibiscus family and there is a clear resemblance in the flowers.
We bought these trees from the local forestry department only because they were available and that they are quick growing evergreen trees. Having one, enticed me to read up on it.
In Botswana this tree is semi-domesticated as it is an important source of food and has a potential social and economic value. Farmers will even keep the tree whilst clearing land for crops, because of its many uses.
This fruit is known as the “wonder fruit”, which not only a delicacy with its sweet and chewy nut but has many medicinal uses as well. The fruit is commonly consumed as a food additive added to soup, porridge, jelly or syrup. The leaves are also cooked as a vegetable.
More famously the fruit is known for curing sexual problems and pepping up your sex life. It has been published in the Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare that the fruit improves fertility in both women and men. It is also known to be an aphrodisiac.
Uses for the Snot Apple
According to some researchers, the Snot Apple can cure at least 22 diseases and ailments. Here are a few:
- Prevent high blood pressure
- Prevent liver problems
- Solve infertility
- Cleanse your body system
- Help women with vaginal problems
- Cancer prevention
- Boost bowel movement
- Improve immune system
- Lowers blood sugar (good for people suffering from diabetes)
- Cure chest pains
- Aid with Mental illness
- Cure sexually transmitted infections
Other Uses:
- The wood is easily worked but generally only suitable for small building needs such as house frames, poles and oxen yokes. It is highly valued for smaller items such as spoons, carvings, combs and tool handles.
- Fodder for game and livestock
- Firewood
- Serves to aid soil conservation and provides shade.
- The inner bark is used to produce good quality rope fibre.
This tree certainly deserves a spot in any garden as it makes an attractive shade tree, with its yellow to purplish flowers. It also has a non-aggressive root system. Unfortunately it is not readily available. I am hoping to soon be selling them.
Pete & Sue in Botswana 