Blinkblaar, Camdeboostinkhout
umGilindi, uNyenye, umHlinye
umGlindi, Umlindi
Hardy, evergreen, fast-growing large shrub or small tree (up to 9 m), sometimes scrambling. Dense, bushy habit with glossy, elliptic to oblong leaves. Bark is grey to dark brown, smooth with conspicuous lenticels. Small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers are borne all year, followed by shiny red to black edible berries. Visually striking due to leaf gloss and berry display. Excellent for bird and wildlife gardens, hedges, screens, and as a wind barrier.
Insects:Flowers attract numerous insects, including bees and butterflies. Host plant for Forest-king Charaxes butterfly (Charaxes xiphares).
Wildlife:Berries are a major food source for fruit-eating birds; dense foliage offers shelter.
Large Mammals:Not a primary browse species.
Small Mammals:May consume fallen berries.
Domestic Animals:Not commonly used for fodder.
Soil:No nitrogen fixation, but helps stabilize soil, especially on slopes and riverbanks.
Other Flora:Casts deep shade, can suppress undergrowth.
Ecosystem Services:Erosion control, riverbank stabilization, windbreak, restoration of degraded sites.
Flowers:Small, greenish-yellow, inconspicuous but produced year-round; attract pollinators.
Pollinators:Bees, butterflies, other insects.
Fruits:Shiny red to black berries, edible, abundant most of the year; critical food for birds, some mammals.
Seed Dispersal:By birds and mammals.
Berries provide food for many fruit-eating birds (e.g., bulbuls, turacos, starlings). Attracts insectivorous birds via insect-rich flowers. Dense structure offers shelter and nesting sites.
Collect ripe, dark berries. Remove pulp, wash seeds. Sow fresh in moist, well-drained medium; germination is reliable. Seedlings transplant well.
Propagation by cuttings is possible; use semi-hardwood cuttings, root in moist, shaded conditions; success rate moderate.
Historical Uses:Widely used as a protective charm (wards off lightning/evil), planted around homesteads, hedges, windbreaks.
Medicinal Uses:Roots, leaves, and bark used for blood purification, fever, pneumonia, stomach-ache, malaria, rheumatism, joint sprains, and more; leaf/stem decoctions for chest pain, diarrhea, ringworm, and as a blood tonic.
Livestock & Fodder:Not a major fodder source.
Toxicity:Generally safe, but not used for livestock fodder.
Cultural Significance:Essential in traditional brewing (Ethiopian ‘t’ej’ honey wine), spiritual and magical uses, especially in East Africa.
