Wild Plum

Afrikaans name: Wildepruim

Photo © Steven Herbert

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.

References and further reading

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 540

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 242

The Natal Bushveld - Volume 1 - Author: Natal Parks Board - Published: 1981 - Page: 35

Sappi Tree Spotting: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape - 2nd edition - Author: Val Thomas and Rina Grant - Published: 2004 - Page: 188

Pocket Guide - Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2013 - Page: 76

Indigenous Beginnings - Author: Anneke Kearney - Published: 2008 - Page: 36

Indigenous Garden Plants of Southern Africa - Author: Glenice Ebedes - Published: 2017 - Page: 31

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 196

Everyones Guide to Trees of South Africa - Author: Keith, Paul and Meg Coates Palgrave - Published: 1989 - Page: 55

Garden Birds in South Africa - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2017 - Page: 163

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