Saba senegalensis, known as weda in the Moore, French, and English languages and ‘’madd’’ in Wolof and ‘’laare’’ in Pulaar, is a fruit-producing plant of the Apocynaceae[1] family, native to the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa. It has several common names in various West African languages. The tree grows predominantly on riverbanks and in woodlands in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Somalia, Mali and Ivory Coast.[2] It has been observed growing as vine up trees, as a small erect shrub, and oftentimes growing to the size of a large tree.
ICRISAT has cited S. senegalensis as a useful food crop plant and as a tool to combat soil degradation in rural Africa.[3]
The fruit of Saba senegalensis has a hard yellow peel containing large seeds embedded in a yellowish pulp, having a pleasing acidity similar to that of the tamarind. The flavor has also been compared to that of a mango.
Natives of the Sahel region often use the fruit to make a juice.
Saba senegalensis is most easily propagated through seeds. Once you acquire seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours. Then, start seeds directly in cactus soil mix. Do not overwater. The seeds should sprout within 2–4 weeks. Alternatively, if you have access to a live plant, it can by propagated by use of cuttings. Simply cut a 6-12 inch branch from the plant, and start directly in soil. The plant should fruit within 2–5 years of being planted.
Saba senegalensis will grow best outdoors in USDA zones 10 and warmer. If you live in a colder zone, you may have success growing it in a pot and bringing it indoors for winter.