Imbe

Frost Tolerance: Tender in Phoenix, leaf damage at 32° F (0° C), limb damage at 28° F( -2° C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: East Africa

Growth Habits: Bush or small tree up to 15-20 feet (4-6 m) generally smaller

Watering Needs: Occasional deep watering during the year, regular water the hot summer months

Propagation: seed, air layer or grafting

This small tree of east Africa bears an edible plum like fruit. Although the trees may reach a height of 15 to 20 feet, they are usually lower and have several trunks, which arch away from the main axis and produce a number of short, thick, side branches. The trees are often used as landscape subjects because of their unusual form. The oblong dark-green leaves are leathery in texture and have white veins. They measure from 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 5 cm) by 1 to 2 inches wide (2.5 to 5 cm).

Blooming Habits:
Greenish yellow flowers are produced in clusters along the branches in June.
The fruit ripens to a bright orange color in August and is gone in 2 weeks. It measures 1.5 to 2 inches in length (2-3 cm) and 1 to 2 inches in diameter (3-5 cm). While usually 1-seeded an occasional fruit produces 2 seeds. A thin layer of acid-sweet watery pulp surrounds the seed. The rather tender skin tends to prevent packing and shipping of the fruit, but it deserves to be more widely cultivated as a home fruit.

Culture:
The trees are not particular in their soil requirements but respond to good culture.