Mimusops zeyheri
Transvaal red milkwood | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Sapotaceae |
Genus: | Mimusops |
Species: | M. zeyheri
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Binomial name | |
Mimusops zeyheri | |
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Synonyms[2] | |
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![]() | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (January 2024) |
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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]List of Southern African indigenous trees
References
[edit]- ^ Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).; IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group. (2019). "Mimusops zeyheri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T146188085A146214550. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T146188085A146214550.en. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
- ^ a b "Mimusops zeyheri Sond". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
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