Photography of Homer L. Shantz

Mpinji. Plum, natural size. A plum of unusual flavor - like a cherry - but skin bitter like a plum and seed does not free from the flesh easily. It should prove useful - for the flavor is decidedly cherry like with a plum like rind and flesh. I have found only one tree. A very similar bush with slightly larger leaf and more hairy but darker in color - a larger fruit not yet ripe - was found in the same place. [Shantz travel journal, Nov. 13, 1919] Mpingi - is one of the best fruits. Large as a large Prunus americana. ... they are eaten fresh - the seeds are eaten either fresh or dried and pounded to produce an excellent oil which is used for cooking - and for salad oil. Said by Dick to be the best oil, much better than peanut oil. It has a good flavor and nice smell. [Shantz travel journal, Nov. 27, 1919]