Ehretia rigida subsp. nervifolia branch

This Ehretia rigida subsp. nervifolia branch loaded with red fruit was the most colourful item in its grassy woodland neck of the woods in the Mjejane Game Reserve in December.

The almost spherical, fleshy fruit grow in clusters on short lateral shoots where earlier blooming has taken place. The fruit becomes about 5 mm to 8 mm in diameter, starting off green before turning orange or orange-red to announce its edibility.

If somebody peckish comes past, bird, monkey or human, the bright colouring fulfils its purpose and the sweet fruit’s chance of ever turning black may be thwarted. Some people don’t find these fruits tasty, but the colour probably seduces new candidates all the time, given that the fruit’s reputation spells no harm. As Thomas Beecham apparently stated: "Try anything once but incest and folk-dancing."

The fruit eater performs a favour to the plant species by dispersing its seeds. All parties satisfied, things happen in accordance with the big natural plan created through evolution (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; iSpot).