Spiny monkey orange (umhlala) Strychnos spinosa
Spiny monkey orange (umhlala) (Strychnos spinosa) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Loganiaceae family, native to Tropical and southern African savanna (Senegal to Ethiopia and KwaZulu-Natal) and Madagascar. It grows 3–9 m (10–30 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Spiny monkey orange (umhlala) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Loganiaceae |
| Mature height | 3–9 m (10–30 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: pulp of fully ripe fruit (sweet-sour) |
| Native to | Tropical and southern African savanna (Senegal to Ethiopia and KwaZulu-Natal) and Madagascar |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Is Spiny monkey orange (umhlala) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds, unripe fruit, roots
The seeds and green fruit are reported as poisonous (Strychnos alkaloids, though far less than in the strychnine tree): eat only the ripe pulp and do not crush the seeds.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spiny monkey orange (umhlala)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Spiny monkey orange (umhlala)
- How far apart should I plant Spiny monkey orange (umhlala)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Spiny monkey orange (umhlala) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spiny monkey orange (umhlala) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Spiny monkey orange (umhlala)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Spiny monkey orange (umhlala) flower?
- From about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Spiny monkey orange (umhlala) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. The seeds and green fruit are reported as poisonous (Strychnos alkaloids, though far less than in the strychnine tree): eat only the ripe pulp and do not crush the seeds.
- What grows well with Spiny monkey orange (umhlala)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spiny monkey orange (umhlala). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Lost Crops of Africa, vol. I Grains (1996), II Vegetables (2006), III Fruits (2008), National Research Council, National Academies Press, Washington DC
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Notes and assumptions
- A savanna plant of hot summers and a long dry season; it wants sharp drainage and resents cold, wet winters.
- A small, spiny tree with hard, ball-shaped fruits that ripen from green to yellow in winter; the shell is cracked open to eat the pulp around the seeds. The empty shells are used as rattles and sound boxes.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Grapevine Vitis vinifera
- Common fig Ficus carica