Fever-berry tree

Afrikaans name: Grootkoorsbessie

Leaves of the Fever-berry tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

Croton megalobotrys

It has been known to medicine for over 100 years that the bark and seeds of the Fever-berry can be used to treat fevers. Of course this has been known by African tribes for even longer.

The Fever-berry tree can reach a height of 15 metres. It is usually found at lower altitudes near water. In South Africa it is found in the north-eastern region of the country including Kruger National Park.

The bark is pale grey in colour and the leaves are dark green with serrated edges. Yellowish flowers are produced in spring. The fruit is somewhat round with 3 lobes.

References and further reading

Pocket Guide - Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2013 - Page: 72

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 496

Piet van Wyks Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 1st edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 1988 - Page: 131

Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 5th edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2008 - Page: 131

Game Ranger in your Backpack - Author: Megan Emmett and Sean Pattrick - Published: 2013 - Page: 276

A site-by-site guide to trees in the Kruger National Park - Author: Marissa Greeff - Published: 2017 - Page: 44

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 188

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