Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia
Introduction
Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia is the only species in this genus. It occurs only on the African continent.
Description
Description
Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia is an attractive, round, single-stemmed tree, up to 12 m high. The bark is greyish to dark brown. It is fairly slow growing but juveniles grow much faster than established trees. It is deciduous and loses its leaves in winter after a magnificent display of red autumn foliage. This tree flowers from July to November and bears small greenish white flowers. Sexes are separate on different trees. Fruits are spherical, about 20 mm in diameter.
Conservation Status
Status
Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia is not threatened but the ecosystem in which it occurs is threatened due to many factors such as population growth, farming activities, incorrect game farming practices and possibly global warming.
Distribution and habitat
Distribution description
Kudu berry occurs naturally in mixed deciduous vegetation and in woodland, sandveld and on rocky ground; it grows in frost-free areas and can withstand hot and dry environments. In southern Africa, it is distributed in the north of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and spreads through to Zimbabwe. It also occurs in the north of Namibia and Botswana.
Ecology
Ecology
Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifoloia is a larval food plant for the butterflies Abantis paradisea and Deudorix dinochares. During the flowering season, a variety of insects such as wasps and bees pollinate the flowers. Seeds are dispersed by animals such as antelope and elephants that eat the leaves and fruits, hence the common name. Fruits also fall to the ground below the tree.
Uses
Use
From an aesthetic point of view, kudu berry is at its best in autumn when it changes colour to the most beautiful red. Extracts from the bark are used to treat diarrhoea. It has been used in the past to treat pneumonia. It can make a beautiful shade tree in parks and other public open spaces, especially in frost-free areas.
Growing Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia
Grow
Propagate this tree from seed. In nature, the seeds germinate after they have gone through the digestive system of browsers. This plant is seldom propagated for gardening purposes but has a high horticultural potential. It can be sown in well-drained potting soil and transplanted into the ground after setting four pairs of leaves. It is ideal for a game farm and it makes an excellent shade tree for livestock.
References
- Coates Palgrave, M. 2002. Keith Coates Palgrave Trees of southern Africa, edn 3. Struik, Cape Town.
- Palmer, E. & Pitman, N. 1972. Trees of southern Africa. Balkema, Cape Town.
- Smith, C.A. 1966. Common names of South African plants. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa No. 35.
- Van Wyk, A.E. (Braam) & Van Wyk, P. 1997. Field guide to trees of southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town.
- Venter, F. & Venter, J-A. 1996. Making the most of indigenous trees. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
Credits
Tshifhiwa Ratshibvumo
Co author: Thompson Mutshinyalo
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
April 2008
Plant Attributes:
Plant Type: Tree
SA Distribution: Limpopo, Mpumalanga
Soil type: Sandy, Loam
Flowering season: Spring, Early Summer, Winter
PH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Flower colour: Green
Aspect: Full Sun
Gardening skill: Easy
Special Features:
Drought resistant
Horticultural zones
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