484. Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. (Rhamnac.) (Syn. Z.jujuba Lam. non Mill.) 

 Masawo (N), name for fruits, msondoka (Y). 



A much-branched tree up to 20 ft. usually with recurved thorns, the leaves are 

 ovate, 2-3 ins. long with three main veins, underside of leaves, leaf stalks 

 and young stems covered by thick whitish or pale tomentum; fruits, yellow, the 

 size of a cherry, fruits ripe in April and May (Lake-shore). In drier parts of lower 

 mountain and plateau areas, known to be common in N.A. Mponda's area, Fort 

 Johnston District. 



The fruits are edible, they have a pleasant flavour and are thirst-quenching- 

 The fruits are also used as a stomach medicine. Occasionally, raw spirit, kacasu, is 

 distilled from the fermented fruits. Timber is reddish-brown and is used for native 

 beds, walking sticks, etc. 



485. Z. mucronata Willd. (Rhamnac). 



Kankhande (N). 



A deciduous tree growing to 30 ft., with spreading canopy, leaves almost glabrous, 

 stipules spiny, usually recurved; fruits brown, the size of a small cherry. 



The fruits are edible, the flesh sweet and mealy. The flesh is allowed to ferment 

 and a raw spirit, kacasu, distilled from it. 



Ref. 14; 26. 



486. Zornia sp. (Papil.). 



Kandudwa, see Alternanthera sessilis for plant of same native name. 



A herb found near water with a red pea-like flower, flowering in October (Dedza). 

 The leaves are fairly frequently cooked as a side-dish. 



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