Oncoba spinosa

Native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, this spiny shrub or small tree can reach about 16 to 26 feet tall. Its large, sweet-scented white flowers surround a dense mass of yellow stamens. Glossy, leathery leaves have toothed edges. Round fruits develop a hard shell around numerous seeds and sour, edible pulp. The dried shells have traditionally been used as snuff boxes or made into rattles, with the seeds left inside. It grows in bushveld and along riverine forests. Photographed in Ecuador.