Psychotria capensis subsp. capensis flowers

Psychotria capensis flowers open wide, yellow and star-like, each with five short, oblong lobes tapering to somewhat rounded tips. This branch radiates the message of a good life here in Kirstenbosch, well outside the confines of the plant's natural geographical distribution. Expect it to appear different to the trees that eke out small tree existence in the dry parts of the Eastern Cape, inside its natural distribution. More like the trees enjoying comfort in the hot and humid northeast of subtropical South Africa.

There are two subspecies: subsp. capensis with flower stalks and subsp. riparia without. Each subspecies has at least two varieties.

The common name, black bird-berry, refers to the ripe fruit colour and the consumers who disperse the seeds.

The widespread distribution of the species involves variation in climatic conditions, elevation, pollinators, soil types, competing vegetation and more factors. This brings variety in the adaptations gradually made by the plants of the species, a key feature of being alive (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Pooley, 1993; iNaturalist).