Mimusops zeyheri

Transvaal red milkwood
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Sapotaceae
Genus:	Mimusops
Species:	M. zeyheri
Binomial name
Mimusops zeyheri Sond.
Synonyms
Mimusops affinis De Wild. Mimusops blantyreana Engl. Mimusops decorifolia S.Moore Mimusops monroi S.Moore

Mimusops zeyheri is a medium-sized (up to 15m) evergreen tree belonging to the family Sapotaceae and widely distributed in rocky places from the east coast of southern Africa, inland and northwards to tropical Africa. It is commonly known as the moepel or Transvaal red milkwood. It is closely related to Mimusops obovata and M. caffra, both of which are South African trees.

Description

Its leaves are leathery and entire. Petioles and young leaves are covered in short rusty red hairs. Small amounts of latex can be seen on bruised leaves or petioles. The ripe yellow fruits have a glossy, brittle skin and are sweet and edible, floury in texture and slightly astringent. The wood is reddish-brown in colour, hard and tough, and was traditionally used in the making of wagons. Clusters of fragrant white flowers appear from October to January.

Habit

Given sufficient space, this species can grow into a very large, densely shady tree. Some enormous specimens are to be seen amongst the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. This species is often found in association with Englerophytum magalismontanum.

Gallery

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  Flower buds
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  Flowers
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  Fruit

See also

List of Southern African indigenous trees