There are a large number of plants in the bush that are extremely useful to humans as well as animals, providing food, medication and building materials. Here we will cover some of the more common plants that occur in most regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Raisin Bush – Grewia flava

This bushy shrub has been a long-time favourite of Bushmen for making bows, arrows and friction sticks for fire making, due to its very straight branches. It also has edible berries, the dried yellowish leaves can be used to make a tea, and the bark can be used for making rope.

There are 27 different species of Grewia in Southern Africa, all have edible fruits. The fruits reduce feelings of thirst, and so one should not forget to drink water if dining on these fruits in the bush!

Common Guarri – Euclea undulata

This shrub has brownish to black fruits with which are edible, and the bark is used to cure headaches. The twigs can be frayed and used as a toothbrush – useful if you’ve forgotten to bring your own!

Blue Bush – Diospyros lycioides

This shrub-like tree produces a small round, red fruit with an edible jelly-like flesh, and the pulp may be used to create a milky porridge.

The fruit may also be brewed to make a bush beer! It grows in a wide variety of habitats including rocky areas, thicket, forest and grassland, tending to prefer well drained soils. The fruits have a tomato-like attachment.

Balsam Apple – Momordica balsamina

This climbing plant has a striking yellowish to orange edible fruit with a rugby ball shape and knobbly ridges. It dangles from a thin stem, and even the green fruits and the leaves can be eaten when cooked.

Wandering Jew – Commelina africana

This plant is fairly common as a garden herb, but is also found wild in the bush and the leaves can be cooked and eaten, as can the rest of the plant. The roots may also be eaten when roasted.

Wild Melon – Citrullus lanatus

The wild melon is an excellent source of water, and is known in the Kalahari as Tsamma, an important resource for the Bushmen. It looks much like any other melon, being a creeper with rounded green fruits, often with a striped appearance. Even the seeds and the skin can be eaten when roasted, and the seeds may be pounded to make a type of flour. This plant could be a life-saver if you ever find yourself lost or stranded in the bush.