A Review on Commercialisation and Sustainability of Six Selected Indigenous Fruit Species of Southern Africa

The study reviewed six selected indigenous fruit species (IFSs) of Southern Africa, namely, Strychnos Madagascariens, Vangueria infausta, Euclea divinorum hiern, Ximenia caffra, Strychnos spinosa, and Sclerocarya birrea. The research variables investigated were (1) the common uses, (2) the threats, (3) sustainability measures and (4) commercial opportunities. The study reviewed studies published between May 2024 and March 2025 from Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. The results revealed that S. birrea, V. infausta, X. caffra, and S. spinosa are among the top ten priority IFSs for domestication and commercialization among Southern African communities. Meanwhile, S. Madagascariens and E. divinorum hiern appeared to have fewer uses. All six IFSs showed moderate potential for commercialization. The study also identified various threats to the existence of these IFSs and their potential contribution to sustainable development goals (SDGs) No. 1-3. Thus, more research on value-added products, nutritional intake, and potential markets for E. divinorum hiern can improve species knowledge and help show market certainty for V. infausta, S. spinosa, S. Madagascariens, and E. divinorum hiern.