The genus Maerua comprises about 60 species found in Africa and Asia. Maerua is a genus of plant in family Capparaceae. The origin of the name Maerua is uncertain, but it may come from Arabic.

Maerua afra (Previously known as Maerua cafra and renamed to the more appropriate Maerua afra) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows up to a height of 2-9m, depending on the local conditions. Its light-coloured trunk accounts for the common name “white-wood” or “witbos” in Afrikaans. It has alternate, compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets with a long petiole up to 60mm. The scented flowers are borne in terminal clusters and are comprised mainly of a tuft of spreading white stamens, tipped with green. The slender stamens give the flowers a spider-like appearance. Flowering occurs in early spring from August to October. Flowers are followed by oval, plum-like fruit in October – December. These are up to 45mm long, pale green with dark green ribs and reported to be edible. The origin of the name Maerua is uncertain, but it may come from Arabic. Maerua afra is very variable and can occur as a low bush on the dunes or in dry places but also grows as a tree up to 9m. where conditions are favourable. It is a common plant in the bushveld regions, wooded grassland and along the forest margins, also occurring in rocky areas. It is widely distributed along the eastern side of South Africa from Humansdorp in the south and is also found in Gauteng and the Northern Province towards Zimbabwe. Leaves of Maerua afra are browsed by game and ground roots have been used as chicory substitute. When the fruit ripens it remains green but becomes soft and strongly sweet smelling and is relished by many different bird species.