The Sand Apricot-Vine

Learn about Sand Apricot-Vine and its cultural significance in Venda, South Africa and efforts to preserve this indigenous treasure for future generations.

It’s December twenty twenty-three, and I have just arrived in Thohoyandou, my home town, in the Limpopo province. You can imagine my excitement as I was now in a place that held many cherished memories from my childhood.

As I stepped out of the car and inhaled the familiar scent of the African soil, I knew that this trip was going to be something truly special. The town was buzzing with laughter, music, and the sound of people celebrating the upcoming holiday season. It was a warm and welcoming atmosphere, reminding me of the joy and simplicity of my younger days.

But there was one thing I was particularly excited to experience again – the mavhungo fruit. With its vibrant orange skin and sweet, succulent flesh, this Indigenous fruit only blesses the land during the summer. 

But the year twenty-twenty-three was not their year – the mavhungo fruit was scarce. Can you imagine my disappointment?

But you know what? Despite the odds, I refused to give up hope. Being disheartened wasn’t going to stop me. How could I leave South Africa without tasting it again?

Here I was, having travelled a long distance from a different country, eagerly anticipating the taste of the sand apricot vine, the fruit that held such beautiful memories from my childhood. I couldn’t find it anywhere. I searched, I asked locals and even looked out for it in the market. Nothing. Nada.

I was feeling defeated, while I was on my way to my relatives’ place to bid them farewell before leaving Thohoyandou, something something caught my eye. A group of young boys, no older than teenagers were holding something by the side of the road. My eyes widened as I realised they were selling mavhungo.

I pulled over and there it was: the sweet, tangy mavhungo fruit. I could hardly believe my luck. my dream to reunite with this indigenous fruit had come true. 

A Brief History of the Sand Apricot Vine

The sand apricot vine, scientifically known as Landolphia Kirkii Dyer, is a member of the Apocynaceae family. It is a liana, a type of climbing plant, native to various regions of Africa, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Its name “apricot vine” comes from the apricot-like fruit it produces, which is highly sought after in the summer, mainly for its refreshing tangy taste.

According to history, the Sand Apricot-vine was first discovered by Sir John Kirk, an explorer and botanist, during his expedition to East Africa in the 19th century.

Sir John Kirk stumbled upon this fascinating fruit while exploring the rich biodiversity of the region.  As he ventured through the lush lands of Tanzania and Malawi, he must have been captivated by the beauty, the peculiar traits of the tree and its fruits that he named it after himself, calling it Landolphia kirkii. His discovery sparked interest among botanists and explorers, leading to further research and documentation of the plant’s characteristics and its varieties including the sand apricot-vine. 

While Landolphe is often credited with the discovery of this fruit, the truth is, that the indigenous African people were the true discoverers of the sand apricot-vine.

For centuries, they have honoured and cherished this plant, passing down their profound knowledge and ancient traditions from one generation to another. It is through their wisdom that we can truly understand the magic and significance of the mavhungo fruit. 

Fun Facts about Sand Apricot-Vine Fruit

The fruit of the sand apricot vine is not related to the apricot fruit we commonly know. Despite its name, the sand apricot vine fruit is not a member of the apricot family. However, when you taste this exotic fruit, you’ll understand why it earned its name. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and tangy with a hint of apricot-like flavour, making it a delightful treat for the taste buds.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this rubber vine is its latex. When the vine is cut or wounded, it exudes a milky latex substance. This latex has been traditionally used by African communities for various purposes, including as a natural adhesive and in the production of rubber.

Uses of Mavhungo fruit in Venda

For the people of Venda, the Muvhungo tree is more than just a plant; it’s a symbol of guidance, a way to tell if the year will bring forth a bountiful harvest or a season of scarcity. If the mavhungo fruits were plenty, it signalled a year of abundance with crops flourishing and fruits aplenty. Conversely, if the mavhungo fruits were scarce,  it was a foreboding sign of a challenging year ahead.

One of the most fascinating uses involving the sand apricot vine was practised by young boys of Venda. Guided by the wisdom passed down through generations, these young boys would cleverly use the vine’s sticky latex to create traps, finely crafted to catch birds. 

Furthermore, my ancestors utilised the tree’s potent properties to create remedies for various ailments. One such remedy was to treat a condition called Nowa khulu, or piles. The bark of the tree was carefully boiled, its healing essence extracted to bring relief and healing to those in need of it.

FAQS ON MAVHUNGO

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The Future of Sand Apricot Vine

As we delve further into the 21st century, the importance of preserving biodiversity and embracing sustainable practices becomes increasingly apparent. Mavhungo, with its unique qualities and rich cultural significance, has the potential to play a crucial role in our journey towards a greener future.

Efforts are being made to cultivate and preserve the Sand Apricot Vine, ensuring its survival for future generations. By promoting sustainable farming practices and raising awareness about the vine’s benefits, we can ensure that it continues to thrive and contribute to the overall well-being of African communities.