Saba comorensis (Mbungu)

Saba comorensis (Mbungu) white flower close up with yellow center and long delicate petals.
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) white flower with a yellow center and several buds tucked nearby.

Botanical names: Saba comorensis, Landolphia comorensis

Common names: Mbungu, White Rubber Vine, Vbundu

Family: Apocynaceae

Origin: South Africa

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Plant type: Fruit or edible
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Vine or creeper plantPlant form: Climbing or creeping vine
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Regular; moderate
White, off-white flowersFlower color: White and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Saba comorensis, commonly known as Mbungu, is a vine or creeper that is native to South Africa. It is an ethnomedical plant, believed to have medicinal properties, along with being edible. This plant is an evergreen, meaning it can retain its foliage all year round. It requires full sun to semi-shade, and has a medium water requirement. It can be grown in USDA Zone 9-11.

Mbungu is characterized by its unique white or off-white, fragrant flowers. This plant blooms in the late winters and produces round-shaped fruits in the summer season. The fruits are yellow in color when ripe and about the size of a large orange. It is sour in taste and packed full of nutrients. It offers several health benefits, such as aiding in digestion, and boosting immunity due to its Vitamin C content. A single plant can bear up to twenty fruits throughout the season.

Growing Mbungu is an easy task. It can be planted in a pot for a short period of time, and in cold climates, plants are grown in pots at indoors as a houseplant. This plant needs regular watering; however, during winter months, the number of waterings can be reduced to moderate levels. In colder regions, Mbungu can be moved indoors. The soil must be well drained and rich in organic matter to ensure it gets the best nourishment.

Similar plants: Saba comorensis (Mbungu)


Image gallery: 16 images
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) yellow fruit split open, close up on rough textured grey stone surface
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) fruit split open revealing golden interior next to a yellow pencil tool
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) brown woody plant winding over thick trunks and stems closeup view
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) winding brown woody stems over larger tree trunks with green ground foliage.
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) green leaves close up on a stone surface showing veined foliage detail
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) green leaves with visible veins resting against a natural stone surface texture
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) white flower close up with yellow centers and green leaves
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) clusters of white petals with yellow centers against large green leaves
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) with round brown fruit and green leaves on a woody climbing plant.
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) showing round brown fruit nestled among the dense green foliage of the vine.
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) brown fruit held in hand close up for size and texture reference.
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) round brown fruit held in an open hand for scale and close inspection.
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) white flower close up on green foliage background
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) white flower with yellow centers emerging near lush green foliage
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) yellow round fruit, close up, detailed textured rind with dark spots.
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) round yellow fruit resting on textured ground, with white center and cracks.
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) white flower close up with yellow center and thick green leaves
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) flower with long white petals and yellow center, surrounded by green foliage
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) white flower cluster close up with deep green waxy leaves in frame.
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) white flower cluster with green leaves on a dark stone texture background.
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) white flower close up with glossy dark green leaves against brown stone
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) white flower cluster resting upon glossy dark green leaves on stone tile
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) green buds close up revealing multiple narrow stems and fuzzy light texture
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) multiple green buds attached to stems with a soft fuzzy light texture
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) young plant with copper leaves in a close up view
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) small plant with distinct copper leaves emerging from center of stem
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) dark green leaves on branch, close up showing texture of foliage
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) shows oval dark green leaves held by hand against soft light
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) with dense green leaves on thin woody climbing vine branches
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) with thick green oval leaves growing on thin climbing woody stems
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) tree with dark green leaves in a small group standing together.
Saba comorensis (Mbungu) tree trunk and foliage with dark green leaves growing in multiple stems.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/saba_comorensis.htm
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