Matumi

Afrikaans name: Mingerhout

Matumi

Photo © Steven Herbert

Breonadia salicina

The Matumi can grow to heights of up to 40 metres, although they are normally a lot smaller than that.

The Matumi is associated with water and is most often found near perennial rivers. In South Africa it is found in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Northern Province.

The leaves can be up to 17 cm in length. It gets small pale yellow flowers. Its fruit is even smaller.

Although mammals don't make much use of this tree, us humans do. The wood can be used for furniture, parquet flooring and boats (such as dugout canoes). Rameron Pigeons eat the seeds.

Leaves of the Matumi tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

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References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 316

Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - Author: Piet van Wyk - Year Published: 2008 - Page: 217

Pocket Guide - Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Piet van Wyk - Year Published: 2013 - Page: 131

Sappi Tree Spotting: Lowveld - Author: Jacana - Year Published: 1997 - Page: 190

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Year Published: 1994 - Page: 454

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Year Published: 2002 - Page: 1038