Kinaboom
umHlambamanzi, umKhadluvungu
umJelo, umThundisa
Medium to very large evergreen tree (up to 10–40 m tall) with a rounded crown and straight, bare main stem. Bark is grey to brown, rough with prominent leaf scars on young branches, becoming yellowish brown and corky with age. Leaves are large, simple, in whorls of 3–6 at branchlet tips, leathery, shiny green above, paler below, 12–28 cm long, 3–6 cm wide, smooth edged. Small, white flowers (c. 4 mm) appear in terminal sprays from May to October. Fleshy green globular fruits in clusters ripen to black October–March. The tree exudes a milky sap when injured and is found along rivers, streams, swamp forests, and forest margins, often as a water indicator. Striking, decorative shade tree for large gardens and parks, especially valued in moist or riparian landscapes. Ecologically important for riverine forest structure and as a food source for wildlife.
Flowers attract bees, wasps, butterflies (notably Oleander hawk moth Daphnis nerii larvae), and other insects. Fruits attract flies and seed-eating beetles.
Non-nitrogen-fixing. Aids to stabilizes riverbanks, restore riparian soil structure, provides shade and organic matter for aquatic restoration.
Dense shade can suppress grasses and forb germination below tree; hosts epiphytes and moss in moister climates.
Fruits are eaten by monkeys, bushbabies, birds (Bulbuls, Barbets, Hornbills), and occasionally browsed by game. Leaves and fruit support both arboreal and semi-aquatic foragers under forest edges.
Watercourse restoration; shade, riverbank, and wetland rehabilitation; rapid-producing timber and habitat tree.
The abundant, small, white, sweetly scented flowers, in terminal clusters attract bees, butterflies (e.g., Daphnis nerii) and wasps.
Key late-season fruit for birds, monkeys, bushbabies. Birds and monkeys in turn disperse seeds along watercourses. Hydrophilic fruit can float and is disperse by water.
Fruits eaten by Bulbuls (e.g., Dark-capped Bulbul), Barbets, Hornbills. Habitat tree for insectivorous birds due to caterpillar/butterfly diversity. Offers shelter and nesting sites in its dense crown.
Collect ripe, black fruits (Oct – Mar). Remove pulp, wash seeds. Sow in river sand/compost mix, press seeds flush with surface. Germination fast (up to 80% in 2 weeks), but seeds lose viability quickly (store <1 month). Transplant at 3-leaf stage, water well for 3 months.
Can be propagated by cuttings during growing season; use semi-hardwood cuttings, root in moist, well-drained medium; success rate moderate.
vs.
Propagates from softwood cuttings or suckers, but seed best for strong tree development.
Historical Uses: Timber for drums, furniture, shelving.
Medicinal Uses: Bark used for wound dressings and killing maggots. Latex for wounds, coughs, high blood pressure and diarrhea. Latex and alkaloids used in the treatment of mental disorders.
Toxicity: Contains alkaloids and cardiac glycosides; latex and bark are bitter, can cause poisoning in humans/livestock if consumed in excess.
Pharmacological Action: Contains antihypertensive alkaloids (incl. reserpine), anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory also effects documented.
Bioactive phytochemicals: Alkaloids (incl. reserpine/ajmaline family), triterpenes.
Livestock & Fodder: Not commonly browsed due to toxicity, but eaten occasionally in droughts. Monkeys and bushbabies eat fruits.
Cultural Significance: Key shade, watercourse, and medicinal tree. Used for spiritual protection and shade in kraals, gardens, forest margins.
