Mongongo Nut. Manketti Tree (Schinziophyton rautanenii)

Family: Euphorbiaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Schinziophyton rautanenii is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Nuts/Seeds

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tastes like apple sauce. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; A flowery pulp, when fresh it resembles a date, though it is not as sweet.; After boiling, it turns maroon and tastes like apple sauce.; The fruit can also be dried and ground into a powder for use in porridge.

Habitat & North American Range

Low to medium altitudes in sandy soil, well developed deciduous woodland on sand, short grassland with scattered trees, wooded hills and amongst sand dunes and sandy alluvium by rivers, sometimes forming pure stands, at elevations of 50 - 1220 metres. (Zone 10)