Climbing Star-Apple – 5 Seeds

Climbing Star-Apple (Diospyros simii) is an evergreen shrub or small tree up to 5–7 m tall, with spreading, almost climbing branches. It produces creamy white flowers in spring. The flowers attract butterflies and other insects, and butterfly larvae feed on the leaves. The flowers are followed by edible fruits which is initially green and turn orange-red when ripe. The fruit is a fleshy, rounded berry, about 3cm in diameter, usually densely covered with short, soft hairs.

Common names: climbing star-apple, rub-rub berry, star apple (Eng.); ranksterappel, kraaibessie, kraaibessiebos, ranktolbessiebos, tolbessiebos (Afr.); umbongisa (isiXhosa); umnqandane (isiZulu).

Growing Climbing Star-Apple Tree

• Scarify the seed coat before planting.
• Sow the seeds in a standard seedling mix in Spring to early Summer.
• Once the saplings are big enough to transplant into the garden, plant them in well-drained, composted soil in full sun or semi-shade.
• The tree is fast-growing and drought resistant and performs best with moderate watering.