Red Beech

Afrikaans name: Rooiboekenhout

Red Beech

Photo © Steven Herbert

Protorhus longifolia

The Red Beech is a medium-sized tree that can grow to a height of 15 metres. It is found in a variety of habitats including woodland, forest and along river banks.

It has long dark green leaves that are quite shiny. It gets clusters of greenish-white, or yellowish, flowers that are borne in clusters. The fruit is just over 1 cm in lenghth and becomes purplish as they ripen.

The bark of the Red Beech can be smooth or rough and is dark brown in colour. It gives off a gum which used to be used by warriors to secure the blades of their assegaais to the shafts.

The wood is sometimes used for furniture and other purposes.

Above - Leaves of the Red Beech

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 545

The Natal Bushveld - Volume 1 - Author: Natal Parks Board - Published: 1981 - Page: 69

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 244

Sappi Tree Spotting: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape - 2nd edition - Author: Val Thomas and Rina Grant - Published: 2004 - Page: 282

Everyones Guide to Trees of South Africa - Author: Keith, Paul and Meg Coates Palgrave - Published: 1989 - Page: 56

Pocket Guide - Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2013 - Page: 77

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 197

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