The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Umdoni tree
Afrikaans name: Waterbessie
Umdoni Tree which is also known as the Water Berry Tree
Photo © Steven Herbert
Syzigium cordatum
The Umdoni tree is often called the Water Berry - a name which arises from it being found near rivers and streams and the clumps of berries that it bears.
It is an attractive tree that reaches a height of up to 15 metres.
The leaves of the Umdoni provide browsing for some mammals such as Kudus. The fruit is eaten by Vervet Monkeys, Bush Babies and some birds. Some people also eat the fruit.
The bark can be ground and used as a poison to kill fish.
Photo © Steven Herbert
References and further reading
Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 833What Tree is That? - Author: Hazel Stokes - Published: 1967 - Page: 67
Wild Issue 47 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 84
The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 372
Sasol First Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1999 - Page: 52
Sappi Wild Flower Guide - Mpumalanga and Northern Province - Author: Jo Onderstall - Published: 1996 - Page: 144
Sappi Tree Spotting: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape - 2nd edition - Author: Val Thomas and Rina Grant - Published: 2004 - Page: 248
Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 391
Piet van Wyks Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 1st edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 1988 - Page: 182
Garden Birds in South Africa - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2017 - Page: 167
Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 5th edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2008 - Page: 182
Everyones Guide to Trees of South Africa - Author: Keith, Paul and Meg Coates Palgrave - Published: 1989 - Page: 84
Adventure Trails in Kirstenbosch - Author: Daphne Mackie - Published: 2012 - Page: 53
A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 266