Rich when RIPE: An experience with Matamba

This week, we continue featuring some common indigenous fruits. In Shona, there’s a proverb that goes, “Kusaziva Kufa….”…….

Some months ago, I shared insights about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was related to human interactions. My childhood PTSD emanated from interacting with an indigenous fruit called Matamba. The experience was so nasty that whenever I see Matamba, I get goosebumps. Little did I know that they must never be eaten until they are completely ripe. What’s your experience of eating Matamba? Hit our comments section and let’s feature your experience.

Matamba, also known as the monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa), is a highly nutritious indigenous African fruit. The monkey orange, a spiny shrub or small deciduous tree, is widespread, growing in woodlands, rocky areas, and along streams at a wide range of altitudes. The tree can be propagated from seed, but it takes a long time to bear fruit.

Several species of Strychnos grow in Zimbabwe, but some are poisonous. All species have round fruit with a hard outer shell that turns yellow when ripe, between March and August. The seeds are toxic, and only the fruit pulp should be eaten. The larger-fruited species produce fruit with a soft pulp with a sweet, apple-like flavour.  

The pulp is eaten fresh or dried and is often used to flavour porridge. The dried shells of the fruit are used as ornaments and for making musical instruments.   It is your dietary fiber and essential minerals like potassium. The succulent, slightly sour pulp is rich in vitamin C.

What health benefits can be derived from Matamba? Let’s walk together:

• Antioxidant & Antimicrobial: The fruit contains phenolic compounds that act as strong antioxidants. These help protect your body's cells from damage and offer natural antimicrobial properties.

• Digestive Health: The fruit's dietary fiber supports healthy digestion, and traditional healers often use parts of the plant to manage general stomach discomfort. Please note that only ripe fruits should be used.

• Traditional “red bull”: Matamba works wonders for those who require quick energy on a Monday like this! It works like Red Bull and other popular energy drinks, but without harm to your internal organs.

• Traditional Remedies: In various local African traditions, extracts from the tree (including roots and bark) have been used to manage ailments ranging from malaria to sexually transmitted infections. The green fruits are used in traditional medicine as a snakebite antidote, and the roots are used to treat fever. The fruit juice is used as a traditional treatment for eye infections in livestock.

Important Safety Note: While the sweet, ripe pulp is safe and widely consumed, the unripe fruit and the seeds contain toxic alkaloids, including trace amounts of strychnine. Always ensure the fruit is fully ripe, and avoid chewing or swallowing the seeds.

This was the reason for my childhood PTSD. The incident was not fatal, but it may affect future generations if they remain ignorant. In an effort to promote the Heritage-based curriculum, there must be a deliberate Government programme to sensitise our children by growing clearly labelled indigenous fruit trees in urban environments, including schools, hospitals, libraries, and public parks.

Disclaimer: While Matamba provides excellent nutritional value, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before relying on plant remedies for specific medical conditions.

Dr Precious Sibiya, a mother, sister, daughter, friend, and so much more. She is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor, and advocate for natural healing and lifestyle. Contact her for more Wellness insights on

Email: precioussibiya2014@gmail.com

+263775369467.

Matamba fruit benefits