Trichilia emetica
Introduction
The Natal mahogany is an evergreen tree with handsome dark green glossy leaves and a wide-spreading crown. Its sweet-scented flowers will attract bees and birds to your garden.
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Description
Description
Trichilia emetica is an evergreen medium-to-large tree, up to 25 m high, with separate male and female plants. It has a dense, spreading crown. Leaflets are dark glossy green above, tips more or less rounded or broadly pointed, lower surface sparsely to densely hairy with principal side veins in 11-18 closely spaced pairs.
Flowers are creamy green and sweetly scented. Trichilia emetica flowers in August to November. The fruit is a dehiscent capsule, 18-25mm in diameter, sharply differentiated from a 5-10mm long neck. The seeds are black and almost completely enveloped by a bright red aril.
Conservation Status
Status
Trichilia emetica is Red Listed as Least Concern (LC).
Distribution and habitat
Distribution description
Trichilia emetica is widely distributed in the eastern part of South Africa, from KwaZulu-Natal through to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and northwards throughout the rest of Africa. It occurs naturally in riverine forest and bushveld. Trichilia emetica has two subspecies: emetica and suberosa. T. emetica subp. emetica is restricted to southern Africa, while suberosa occurs north of the Zambezi River.
Derivation of name and historical aspects
History
The genus name Trichilia is derived from the Greek word tricho meaning in three parts referring to the fruits which often have three valves. The specific name is derived from the word emetic — a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting.
Ecology
Ecology
Trichilia emetica 's leaves are browsed by game. Its flowers are visited by sunbirds that feed on nectar and are also eaten by monkeys. The fruit is eaten by baboons, monkeys and antelope. The seeds are eaten by birds.
Uses
Use
The powdered bark of Trichilia emetica is a popular remedy for stomach and intestinal ailments. The bark is also used to produce a pinkish dye
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Root decoctions are used for the treatment of fever and also as a purgative. Leaf or fruit poultices are used to treat skin diseases, such as eczema. Oil can be extracted from the seeds and is used to moisturise the skin and also to manufacture soap. It is further used medicinally to treat rheumatism and to dress wounds and cuts.
The seeds are soaked in water and the milky soup is eaten with spinach. Seed arils are soaked and cooked together with sweet potatoes or squash.
The pinkish to light brown wood is the most important source of timber for the rural carving industry in southern Africa. It is used for traditional carvings, musical instruments, furniture, boats and canoes. In Maputaland several traditional items are carved including bowls (iziMbenge ), dishes for meat (uGqoko), spoons (iziNkhezo ) and head rests (iziGqiki).
Growing Trichilia emetica
Grow
Trichilia emetica is a fast grower and can be planted throughout the year. It is able to tolerate moderate winter drought and slight frost. It should be planted from fresh seeds, otherwise germination can be difficult. It can also be propagated from cuttings. This species prefers full sun or semi-shaded areas, in soil with compost and moderate amounts of water.
References
- Boon, R. 2010. Pooley's trees of eastern South Africa: A complete guide , edn 2. Flora & Fauna Publication Trust, Durban.
- Coates Palgrave, M. 2002. Keith Coates Palgrave Trees of southern Africa , edn 3. Struik, Cape Town.
- Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G., Cunningham, A.B. 1996. Zulu Medicinal Plants: An Inventory . University of Natal Press, Durban.
- Neuwinger, H.D. 2000. African Traditional Medicine: A dictionary of plant use and applications . MedPharm Scientific Publishers, Stuttgart.
- Raimondo, D., Von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. & Manyama, P.A. (eds). 2009. Red List of South African plants 2009. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
- Schmidt, E., Lötter, M. & McCleland, W. 2002. Trees and shrubs of Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park. Jacana, Johannesburg.
- Van Wyk, A.E. (Braam) & Van Wyk, P. 2013. Field guide to trees of southern Africa , e dn 2. Struik, Cape Town.
- Van Wyk, B.-E. & Gericke, N. 2000. People's plants: A guide to useful plants of southern Africa . Briza, Pretoria.
- Van Wyk, B.-E. Van Oudtshoorn, B. & Gericke, N. 2009. Medicinal plants of South Africa , edn 2. Briza, Pretoria.
Credits
M.S. Mothogoane
National Herbarium, Pretoria
April 2014
Plant Attributes:
Plant Type: Tree
SA Distribution: KwaZulu-Natal
Soil type: Clay, Loam
Flowering season: Spring, Early Summer
PH: Neutral
Flower colour: Green
Aspect: Full Sun, Morning Sun (Semi Shade), Afternoon Sun (Semi Shade)
Gardening skill:
Special Features:
Attracts birds
Feature plant
Fragrant
Edible plant
Medical plant
Useful plant
Feeds honeybees
Horticultural zones
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