Diospyros mespiliformis, the jackal-berry

The Lowveld is blessed with many large Diospyros mespiliformis trees that give shade and shelter, also bearing these edible fruits. Green here, the fruit will ripen to a yellow and later a purplish colour.

By then they are sought after by people and animals alike: many animals such as elephant, giraffe, kudu, vervet monkeys and birds like pigeons, parrots and hornbills feed on jackal-berries. The common name of jackal-berry was conferred upon the tree following the discovery of the seeds in jackal dung, identifying them as consumers of the fruit as well.

Coates Palgrave tells a story of a superstition among some indigenous tribes that refrain from eating jackal berries when away from home for fear of becoming possessed by spirits.

The tree is protected in South Africa, an action applauded by most of those familiar with this special tree (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Grant and Thomas, 2001; Venter and Venter, 1996; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997).