Flueggea virosa

Flueggea virosa is a dioecious, multistemmed, fast-growing, bushy shrub, with some small, thorn-like branches. It bears very small flowers which are creamy green. Fruit are white and fleshy. It is widely distributed in the southern Africa region. In South Africa it occurs naturally in Limpopo Province, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. It also occurs in Zimbabwe and Tanzania. It can survive hot and dry areas and also survive mild frost. It has naturalized in Hawaii, Taiwan and in Haiku, Maui in China. In China it is known as Chinese waterberry.

The slender branches are used to make fish traps. The small fruit is sweet and eaten by people, animals and birds when ripe. The roots and fruits are believed to be an effective snakebite remedy. Roots of this plant are also used in some African communities medicinally. A research has been successful forusing this plant in treatments of hepatitis C.

Sow the seeds in a well-drained seedling growth medium. Germination is normally very good. It is a low maintenance plant that can grow without any extra feeding except watering at least once every second week. Once this plant is established, routine maintenance is unnecessary. It attracts birds and butterflies. It can also be used for creating a hedge or barrier.