Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)

The rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is a leguminous plant native to Southern Africa. It reaches 6 feet in height and has small, yellow flowers and narrow, needle-like leaves. Rooibos leaves and stems are cut and left to ferment in the sun before being dried. They are then used to make a tea that is high in fluorine, low in tannins and caffeine free. Rooibos plants are hardy in United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 9 and above.

Natal Plum (Carissa grandiflora)

The Natal plum (Carissa grandiflora) is a thorny shrub with rounded leaves and white, star-shaped flowers. It is native to Southern Africa but is widely grown across the subtropical world as an ornamental and hedging plant. It produces abundant rounded or elongated red fruits, which can be eaten out of hand or made into jellies. Natal plum fruit contains more vitamin C than the equivalent weight of oranges.

Marula Nut

The marula tree grows across much of sub Saharan Africa and is native to South Africa. It grows in woodland and grasslands and reaches 45 feet in height. The round fruit ripen to yellow and can be collected from the ground around the trees. They are rich in vitamin C and can be eaten fresh or made into jellies or alcoholic beverages. The seed inside the fruit is also edible.

Baobab (Adansonia digitata)

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) trees can reach 60 feet high in South Africa with a trunk up to 30 feet in diameter. They grow in the savannas and dry woodlands of Southern Africa. The young leaves can be boiled and eaten as a vegetable, and the pulp of the large fruit, up to 18 inches long, can be eaten fresh or made into a drink. The seeds can be roasted and eaten or used as a coffee substitute.