Trichilia emetica subsp. emetica

The round and broad crown of the ornamental Trichilia emetica subsp. emetica forms a dense canopy that casts dark shade, sought by many during summer heat. Fruit bats may be spotted when venturing close. In daytime they hang upside down, asleep with folded wings, resting for their nocturnal food gathering flights.

The tree thrives by the riverside or where rainfall is high and in places where cold and frost stay away.

Leaves are browsed all year round. Sunbirds go for the nectar during the tree’s bloomtime. Later, the fruit is eaten by game, while the seeds are favoured by several birds, particularly hornbills. And fish, notably barbel, eat seeds that fall in the water.

Oil from these seeds, mafura nuts, is used in making candles; soap in times gone by (Erasmus, 2016; Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Grant and Thomas, 2001; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Pooley, 1993; http://www.dendro.co.za).