Maerua afra

[1][2] It may reach about 8 metres (26 ft) in height and occurs in dune bush, open woodland or on forest fringes.

The leaves are digitately compound with from 3 to 5 leaflets, with entire, ciliate margins and petiolules of only 10 millimetres (0.4 in) or less in length, while the petiole may be up to 60 mm (2.4 in) long.

The scented flowers are in terminal clusters with numerous white stamens tinged with green, though petals are absent.

The fruit has a thick rind and holds up to 30 flattened, reniform seeds, distributed irregularly in a jelly-like pulp.

[3][4][5] This species is one of the numerous Capparaceae host to the larvae of Belenois aurota, the Brown-veined White butterfly which migrates northwards across Southern Africa in large numbers at certain times of the year.

Flower buds
Fruit