Flueggea virosa subsp. virosa

Flueggea virosa subsp. virosa, the white-berry bush and previously known scientifically as Securinega virosa, is well represented in parts of the Mjejane Game Reserve. The fleshy, spherical fruit capsules, clustered on upper branches of the female shrubs are white when ripe and edible.

The generic name, Flueggea, honours a German doctor and botanist, Johan Flugge, while the specific name, virosa, is derived from the Latin word virosus meaning a rank, unpleasant smell. It is the leaves that are smelly; crush one to check.

Looking at the plant, it is not easy to guess its family ties. Yes, it is the Euphorbiaceae. A clue might be obtained from considering the plant’s traditional medicine uses. Ranging from snakebite, sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea, related issues like sterility and contraception, as well as rheumatism and malaria, potent ingredients should be expected. 

More pictures and information on this plant appear in the Trees Album elsewhere on this Site (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Pooley, 1993; Codd, 1951).