Sideroxylon inerme subsp. diospyroides

Sideroxylon inerme (aMasethole or white milkwood, Afrikaans: wit-melkhout, Xhosa: Ximafana, Zulu: Umakhwelafingqane) is a southern and eastern African coastal tree, with dense foliage, black berries and small, foetid, greenish flowers. The tree's generic name means "Iron-wood" in Greek, referring to its very hard timber. It is one of South Africa's "Protected Trees" and several specimens are provincial heritage sites. This is the only member of the genus Sideroxylon in Southern Africa.

Description

A small tree. It grows 15 m tall. The bark is grey and cracked. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaves are 4-10 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They are oval and wedge shaped. The flowers are green to white and have a scent. They are in clusters in the axils of leaves or on old wood.

Edible Uses

The fruit is edible.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry lowland and river forest. It grows on the edges of mangroves.

Where It Grows

Africa, East Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania,

Synonyms

Also Known As

Mkokobara

References (1)

• Lovett, J. C. et al, Field Guide to the Moist Forest Trees of Tanzania. p 167

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