(Right: Natal Plum or Num Num Fruit, The Amatangula - by Lindy Acton)
The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery is currently hosting an exhibition by well-known and highly experienced watercolourist from KZN, Lindy Acton, who has created botanical studies of local indigenous edible fruits.
With South Africa being a great producer of fruit, these indigenous fruits are so often overlooked in terms of interest, beauty and nutritional value. Little is promoted about their enormous use and appeal to both humans, and our animal and bird life.
South Africans living in the rural areas use these fruits, mainly to make jams, sauces and pickles, and a thriving cottage industry has developed. Planting any of these in your gardens will increase the birdlife in your gardens immensely.
Also known as Natal Plum or Num Num fruit, the Amatangula is native to KZN. It is extremely high in Vitamin C, and the sweet and sour flavour is used in jams and sauces. In the Indian community it is popular for making pickles.
The fruit of the Marula is very juicy and aromatic, and is the size of a small plum. It is another fruit rich in Vitamin C. The Murula Tree is tall and leafy and grows wild across sub-Saharan Africa. Wild animals love the fruit, especially the elephant, and once digested, an internal fermentation process takes place and there is much evidence of drunken elephant! And of course, the Amarula Liqueur is loved by humans!
Also known as Umkokolo, the Kei Apple is rich in Vitamin C and potassium, and also contains various antioxidants. They are best suited for cooking and the pectin content make them ideal for use in making jams and jellies, which pair well with meat dishes and cheeses.
The trees are found in coastal dunes, from the Eastern Cape, through to KZN to South Mozambique and provide protection along the coast from the sea. It is a sweet fruit, also high in Vitamin C and popular with local people. It is a staple food enjoyed by monkeys, baboons and a variety of birds.
All the works are mounted with white mounts and white and Kiaat wood frames. The paintings can also be bought with just the mounts and backing should you need them to be freighted, and the price will be adjusted accordingly.
They can all be viewed at the Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, 120 Florida Road in Durban - or on the website: https://elizabethgordon.co.za
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