A small tree that is widespread in tropical Africa and Madagascar as well as east to China. It is found in all types of woodland and prefers sandy soils and a high watertable; sometimes riverine. In Uganda it grows in lower montane woodlands associated with Vitex madiensis, Vitex doniana and Syzygium owariense. It is abundant on Mt. Elgon in Kapchorwa District. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 750 - 1,400mm, but tolerates 500 - 2,000mmA small tree that is widespread in tropical Africa and Madagascar as well as east to China. It is found in all types of woodland and prefers sandy soils and a high watertable; sometimes riverine. In Uganda it grows in lower montane woodlands associated with Vitex madiensis, Vitex doniana and Syzygium owariense. It is abundant on Mt. Elgon in Kapchorwa District. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 750 - 1,400mm, but tolerates 500 - 2,000mm

A deciduous spiny shrub or small tree, usually 3-5 m; spines on the trunk usually straight sometimes branched, up to 12 cm long but quite variable.

BARK: rough, pale yellow-grey, branches may have a yellow powder at first.

LEAVES: variable in size, oval, to 12 cm, edge toothed, 4-7 pairs veins clear on both surfaces, stalk to 2 cm.

small, cream, fragrant; male flowers with very many yellow stamens, female flowers with a divided spreading style.

FLOWERS: small, cream, fragrant; male flowers with very many yellow stamens, female flowers with a divided spreading style.

FRUIT: red-purple-black, round and juicy but acid, to 2.5 cm across, persisting on the tree. They contain up to 10 small seeds, hard and flat.

Edible:  Fruit, young shoots. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php id=Flacourtia+indica

Medicinal: Bark, leaves and root. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php id=Flacourtia+indica

Agro-forestry uses: Plants are usually spiny and, when closely planted, form a close impenetrable barrier that serves as a tall hedge, windbreak or boundary screen. It tolerates frequent trimming

Other uses: The bark is used as a tanning material

The sapwood is used for agricultural implements such as ploughs, posts, building poles, rough beams, walking sticks and the manufacture of turnery articles

The wood is used for fuel and for making charcoal

It’s also an ornamental tree