Characteristics / Features
The madd (saba senegalensis) is a wild specie with dark gray bark, whole leaves opposite to elliptical limbs. Resistant to fire bush, the plant is a climbing vine provided with twigs armed with terminal tendrils that allow it to cling to the branches of trees. The flowers are very fragrant and white, yellowish or greenish white. The fruits are berries (grains coated with acidulous pulp) ovoid 6 to 8 cm with green bumpy surface, then orange when ripe. Madd can be domesticated and is suitable for grafting.
Production and Processing
As a rule, Saba senegalensis returns to fructify in less than two years. The fruits of Madd begin to ripen as early as the beginning of the rainy season, starting in June. The harvest can be until September. As it matures, it changes from green, from its initial colour, to light orange. This is the best time to taste it. This moment is also expected by animals, especially monkeys. Many losses are recorded in fruit production, and its conservation is a serious issue for producers. To avoid these losses, it is good to follow the collection procedures, pick the fruits unhooked without destroying the environment that can serve as a gateway to contamination, put in an appropriate packaging and respect the principles of hygiene. It is also important to avoid harvesting during the rainy season. During this period the fruit becomes a flower. There are even producers who only harvest green fruit to prolong storage and reduce losses, but the disadvantage of this method is that the quality of the fruit is mainly due to early harvesting, as the fruit has not yet reached maturity.
Link with the Territory
The Madd can be found in Senegal only to the south (Casamance). The fruits are rich in carbohydrate and vitamin A, K and C. The Madd is related to the soil of Casamance. In traditional medicine, roots are used in the care of female infertility and the maceration of the leaves also helps fight against vomiting and stomach pains. Latex is used for fighting against coughs and tuberculosis. The fruits are also seasoned with sugar or salt or pepper and they are eaten directly, or used as a condiment or used in the preparation of refreshing drinks.
The Madd Casamance is commercialised with success and it creates wealth for the populations of Casamance, especially for women and young people.