Magic Guarri (Euclea divinorum)

Family: Ebenaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Euclea divinorum or commonly known as Magic Guarri or Diamond-leaved Euclea is a tropical small tree or shrub growing up to 6 - 18 m tall found in eastern and southern Africa. It often branches from the base. The bark is grey and smooth but becomes cracked as the tree gets old. The leaves are leathery grey green, with wavy edges. The flowers are cup-shaped, small, and cream in colour. The fruits are taken as a mild laxative.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Bark/Inner Bark

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible portion: Fruit, Leaves. Bark. Root. An infusion of the bark is used as a condiment in the preparation of soup. — Edible portion: Fruit, Leaves.; An infusion of the bark is used as a condiment in the preparation of soup.; The thin fleshy part of the fruits is edible, but not very palatable The roots are applied in the fermentation process to make beer.; The leaves are considered an appetiser.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassland with scattered trees and open bushland, often on termite mounds, but also in secondary forest, margins of evergreen forest and on stony slopes, from sea-level up to elevations of 2,700 metres. (Zone 10)