Wild Plum

Harpephyllum caffrum

The Wild Plum is a distinctive and large tree. It can grow to a height of 20 metres or more.

This is a popular tree amongst various forms of wildlife. Some species of butterfly such as the Common Hairtail lay their eggs on the leaves. The fruit is eaten by Vervet Monkeys, bushbabies, Chacma Baboons and Bushbuck and others. Fruit eating birds such as louries, Green Pigeons and parrots are also attracted to its fruit.

The fruit of the Wild Plum is small and oval in shape. When ripe they are reddish in colour.

The leaves are a good identifying feature of this tree. They grow in a kind of radial, or whirlpool, fashion.

Top

References