Aizen (Boscia senegalensis)

Family: Capparaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Aizen, Boscia senegalensis, is an evergreen, perennial woody shrub or tree native to Sahal region in Africa. Plant size varies depending on habitat. However, in favourable environment, it can grow tree-like with a rounded spreading crown. It is an important local food plant in Africa and widely exploited for its fruits and seeds. It can survive arid environmental conditions and is known to repel pests.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet pulp is translucent and jelly-like. — Edible portion: Seeds, Leaves, Fruit (Caution), Vegetable.; The yellow cherry-sized berries (up to 15mm in diameter) are borne in clusters.; When newly ripe, their rather sweet pulp is translucent and jelly-like.; However, in the desiccating air it quickly dries out, turning into something not unlike caramel before ending up a brittle, brown, and quite sugary solid.

Habitat & North American Range

It occupies most types of arid-land environment including stony slopes, sand dunes, and cracking-clay plains. It often occurs in desiccated, barren, hard, and even fire-scorched sites. It often sprouts directly out of termite mounds. (Zone 10)