Description
Rapanea melanophloeos (Myrsinaceae). Cape Beech (e), Boekenhout (a), isiCalabi (z). Hardy, medium-sized, evergreen tree with dark leaves that have a purplish cast to them. The small greenish-white flowers in autumn and early winter attract insects and are followed by small purple fruits borne in profusion close to the stems that attract birds. A good garden subject planted as a specimen and a useful addition to screen planting with its unusual colour foliage. It has a non-aggressive root system. The wood is used for making furniture and violins and has many magical and medicinal uses. Size 4 to 10m. S.A. No. 578. Sowing: Sow in summer. Locality: Palmietrivier. Harvest: August 2021
