Pomegranates are a firm favourite of mine, not only for their flavour but for their health benefits. I currently have five small bushes in my garden which I have grown from seeds. It’s taken a number of years and it now looks as if they will consistently begin producing fruit, just as we are about to leave – just my luck.
The pomegranate plants which I have are regular pomegranates and I was fascinated to discover that South Africa has its own wild pomegranate which has small seeds packed with the same goodness that is found in the regular fruit. Luckily for me, pomegranates also grow in Portugal so that will definitely be a fruit to be planted.
Burchellia is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. The genus contains only one species, viz. Burchellia bubalina, which is commonly known as wild pomegranate (English) or wildegranaat (Afrikaans). The plant is prevalent in South Africa, particularly Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burchellia).
Burchellia bubalina is a hardy, evergreen, beautiful shrub with attractive glossy, dark green leaves. It bears clusters of gorgeous tubular, apricot coloured, flowers on and off throughout the year but its main flowering period is from August to December.
The flowers have copious nectar which attracts bees, birds, butterflies and other insects.
It is a fast-growing and hardy evergreen which does well in either semi-shade, shade, or full sun. It prefers well-drained, loamy soil which is regularly fed with compost.
NATURAL BENEFITS
Wherever possible, I'll include edible or medicinal benefits of the South African indigenous plants which I highlight. The benefits from these indigenous South African pomegranates are extensive – much more than I ever thought possible.
The wild pomegranate, similar to its cousin, the large cultivated pomegranate, offers numerous health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants, supporting heart health, potentially aiding in cancer prevention, and promoting healthy skin. The plants are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and other essential nutrients. They also contain fibre, which the local communities use as an important for digestive health and satiety. (Source: https://www.randomharvest.co.za/)
Although many of the health benefits are set out here, they are not all but you will have a good idea of how good this little superfood is. The jury is still out on some of the health claims but many studies are continually being done and these seem to have some traction.
Antioxidant: Packed with antioxidants, like polyphenols and ellagic acid, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Heart Health: Contribute to better heart health by potentially lowering cholesterol and blood pressure as well as improving blood flow.
Cancer Prevention: May help prevent or slow the growth of certain cancers, due to their antioxidant properties.
Anti-inflammatory: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation.
Digestive Health: Aid in digestion and may help with conditions like diarrhoea and ulcers.
Skin: Promote healthy skin, protect against UV damage, and reduce signs of aging.
Brain Function: May improve brain function and memory.
Immunity: Loaded with vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in strengthening our immune system, helping us fight off infections and illnesses.
Male Reproductive Health: (last but not least): May improve erectile function, boost testosterone levels, enhance sperm quality, and support overall male reproductive health.
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| Burchellia Bubalina in the wild - South Africa |
Burchellia is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. The genus contains only one species, viz. Burchellia bubalina, which is commonly known as wild pomegranate (English) or wildegranaat (Afrikaans). The plant is prevalent in South Africa, particularly Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burchellia).
Burchellia bubalina is a hardy, evergreen, beautiful shrub with attractive glossy, dark green leaves. It bears clusters of gorgeous tubular, apricot coloured, flowers on and off throughout the year but its main flowering period is from August to December.
The flowers have copious nectar which attracts bees, birds, butterflies and other insects.
 |
| Copious flowers of Burchellia Bubalina filled with nectar |
It is a fast-growing and hardy evergreen which does well in either semi-shade, shade, or full sun. It prefers well-drained, loamy soil which is regularly fed with compost.
NATURAL BENEFITS
Wherever possible, I'll include edible or medicinal benefits of the South African indigenous plants which I highlight. The benefits from these indigenous South African pomegranates are extensive – much more than I ever thought possible.
 |
| Fruit of the wild pomegranate |
The wild pomegranate, similar to its cousin, the large cultivated pomegranate, offers numerous health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants, supporting heart health, potentially aiding in cancer prevention, and promoting healthy skin. The plants are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and other essential nutrients. They also contain fibre, which the local communities use as an important for digestive health and satiety. (Source: https://www.randomharvest.co.za/)
Although many of the health benefits are set out here, they are not all but you will have a good idea of how good this little superfood is. The jury is still out on some of the health claims but many studies are continually being done and these seem to have some traction.
Antioxidant: Packed with antioxidants, like polyphenols and ellagic acid, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Heart Health: Contribute to better heart health by potentially lowering cholesterol and blood pressure as well as improving blood flow.
Cancer Prevention: May help prevent or slow the growth of certain cancers, due to their antioxidant properties.
Anti-inflammatory: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation.
Digestive Health: Aid in digestion and may help with conditions like diarrhoea and ulcers.
Skin: Promote healthy skin, protect against UV damage, and reduce signs of aging.
Brain Function: May improve brain function and memory.
Immunity: Loaded with vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in strengthening our immune system, helping us fight off infections and illnesses.
Male Reproductive Health: (last but not least): May improve erectile function, boost testosterone levels, enhance sperm quality, and support overall male reproductive health.
