Ancylobotrys capensis fruit

The about spherical fruits of Ancylobotrys capensis are silver green and velvety, covered in a soft hairy indumentum before they ripen to bright yellow. The fruits appear apricot-like but are actually many-seeded berries in a pulp. The fruits are from 3,5 cm to 5 cm in diameter.

The fruit pulp is edible, juicy and tasty with a tangy flavour. The fruits are sometimes fried, or used in making jelly, vinegar or brandy.

The flowers that preceded the fruits are white and star-shaped from five oblong, spreading petal lobes. The outside of the narrow, corolla tubes are brownish. The flowers grow in small, stem-tip clusters. The sweet flower fragrance is jasmine-like. Bloomtime is late winter to after midautumn (Schmidt, et al, 2002; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; Tree Society of South Africa, 1974; iNaturalist).