Governor's plum (Flacourtia indica)

Flacourtia indica, governor’s plum or katai, is a thorny shrub or small tree of dry scrub whose small, dark red to purple fruits are sweet-sour and eaten fresh or made into jams. It grows wild across India, Sri Lanka, Africa and Madagascar. It is a hardy wild fruit and a good thorny hedge.

Botanical name: Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr.
Family: Salicaceae
Tamil: Sottaikala
Hindi: Katai
Parts used: Ripe fruit
Habit: Governor's plum; jujube is a cousin, not this fruit
Last updated: 2026-10-30

How to recognise Governor's plum

It is a bushy shrub or small tree with long, straight, sharp thorns on the trunk and branches, especially when young.

The leaves are small, oval and toothed, often clustered on short shoots, sometimes reddish when young.

Small, greenish-yellow flowers have no petals. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants.

The fruit is a round berry, about the size of a cherry, turning dark red to purple-black when ripe, with a few small seeds. Indian jujube, ber, has a single hard stone and no long thorns on the trunk.

Fruits ripen in the hot season and the early monsoon.

Traditional use of Governor's plum

Food

Ripe fruits are eaten fresh, and made into jams and jellies in India, Africa and Madagascar.

Tropical food practice

Village use

Its thorny branches make a stock-proof hedge, and the hard wood is used for tool handles and fuel.

Indian village practice

Modern notes on Governor's plum

Nutrition studies describe the fruit as a source of vitamin C, minerals and antioxidant pigments.

It is promoted in some regions as an underused fruit for dryland farming.

Governor's plum safety

Eat ripe fruit as food. Watch for the thorns.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows in dry deciduous forest, scrub and hedges across Africa and Asia.

It tolerates drought, poor soils and heavy grazing, and it coppices well after cutting.

Birds and mammals eat the fruit and spread the seeds.

Related plants

Questions about Governor's plum

Is Governor's plum ber?

No. Ber is Ziziphus mauritiana, with a single hard stone.

What older names does Flacourtia indica go by?

Flacourtia ramontchi.

Is the fruit of Governor's plum edible?

Yes, when ripe and dark red to purple.

How does Governor's plum taste?

Sweet-sour, a little astringent, best when soft and dark.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.