Uiehout
umhlwakela, umgamakhulu
Small to medium evergreen tree (up to 15 m), with a dense, rounded crown and smooth, grey bark.
Leaves are simple, alternate, elliptic to oblong, dark green and glossy above, paler below, with entire or slightly toothed margins.
Small, white, fragrant flowers in axillary clusters (spring – summer), followed by small, red to black berries.
Visually attractive for its glossy foliage and fruit.
Important shade and understorey tree in forests and moist woodlands.
Insects: Flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Wildlife: Fruits eaten by birds and small mammals.
Ecosystem Services: Shade, habitat for forest fauna, soil stabilization.
Small, white, fragrant flowers attract insects, which are in turn eaten by small insectivorous animals.
Berries are eaten by birds and small mammals.
Seeds are dispersed by animals.
Fruits are a food source for fruit-eating birds
Dense foliage offers shelter.
Collect ripe berries, remove pulp, sow fresh in moist, shady conditions; germination in 3 – 6 weeks.
Used in traditional medicine for fever, stomach ailments, and as a protective charm.
Wood sometimes used for small implements.
