Wild apricot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wild apricot |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ancylobothrys
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| Species: |
capensis
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The wild apricot, also known by its scientific name Ancylobothrys capensis, is a fascinating plant found in Southern Africa. It's a type of creeper, which means it grows by spreading out and climbing over other plants or rocks. This plant is part of the Apocynaceae family, which includes many interesting flowering plants.
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What Does the Wild Apricot Look Like?
The wild apricot is an evergreen plant, so it stays green all year round. It often scrambles over rocks and other plants, creating a tangled, sprawling look.
Leaves and Stems
When new parts of the plant grow, they are covered in soft, reddish-brown hairs. If you were to damage the plant, it would release a lot of white, milky liquid called latex. The leaves are tough and leathery, shaped like wide ovals. They grow in pairs opposite each other on the stem and have clear veins that you can easily see.
Flowers
The flowers of the wild apricot are quite beautiful and have a lovely smell. They are about 40 millimeters (about 1.5 inches) wide. When they first start to open, they look pinkish, but once fully open, they turn a bright white.
What About the Fruit?
The fruit of the wild apricot is one of its most interesting features, especially because it's edible!
Fruit Appearance and Taste
The fruit is round and can grow up to 50 millimeters (about 2 inches) across. When it's not ripe yet, it's a khaki-green color. But once it's ready to eat, it turns a bright orange or yellow. The skin of the fruit is thick but soft and easy to peel. Inside, you'll find three to four seeds surrounded by a sweet and slightly tangy pulp. Many people find this pulp to be very tasty!
Where Does the Wild Apricot Grow?
This plant is quite common in certain parts of Southern Africa. It especially likes rocky areas.
Habitat and Location
You can find the wild apricot growing in places like KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo Province, and North West Province in South Africa. It also grows in Botswana. It particularly thrives in areas with quartzite rocks.
