Uvaria afra
Introduction
A beautiful plant with glossy foliage, unusual yellowish green, fragrant flowers in early summer and eye-catching clusters of edible fruits in late summer.
Description
Description
A sprawling or scrambling shrub or climber, or a small tree, that is 1-2 m tall, but can reach up to 4 m high. Young growth is covered with rusty-brown, velvety hairs, becoming smooth. The leaves are large, 40-110 x 15-40 mm, simple, leathery, glossy, dark green, broadly lance-shaped, with noticeable veins and are placed alternately along the stem. The flowers bloom from late spring to late summer (Oct. to Mar.) and are usually solitary, at the ends of the branches, or at a point near but not in an axil (extra-axillary), usually opposite a leaf. Each bloom is greenish to yellowish green, 25-30 mm in diameter, with 6 petals in 2 whorls, the flower containing many free carpels clustered in the centre surrounded by many stamens. Pedicels are 10-20 mm long, thickly covered with short, soft, fawn- or rusty-brown hairs (pubescent), sturdy, and somewhat thickened above. The fruits are fleshy, ovoid to shortly cylindrical, up to 25 mm long and 10 mm wide narrowing towards the point of attachment to the pedicel, and they turn from green to bright orange-yellow as they ripen. The fruit is apocarpous, a single flower produces a cluster of 5-10 fruits that are formed from several separate carpels. Each fruit contains 1-3 seeds. Seeds are about 8 mm long.
Conservation Status
Status
According to the Red List of South African plants, Uvaria afra is assessed as Least Concern (LC), although it has lost some of its habitat to urban expansion and invasive alien plants, it is a widespread species that is not in danger of extinction.
Distribution and habitat
Distribution description
Uvaria afra is a common species in South Africa, occurring in the provinces KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, and it occurs in southern Mozambique. This stunning species can be found in a range of environments, such as savanna, woodlands, riverine forests, sand forest, forest margins, rocky hillsides, thornveld and valley bushveld of the coastal regions. Sunny to partially shaded spots are ideal for it. It can adapt to varied habitats because of its well-known hardiness and ability to withstand varying soil conditions as long as it is well-drained.
Derivation of name and historical aspects
History
The genus name Uvaria comes from the Latin word uva, which means ‘grape’, this is because some species of Uvaria have clusters of fruits that look like bunches of grapes. The species name was previously caffra, derived from an Arabic word, kafir, meaning ‘infidel’ that became an offensive name for black South Africans. It also refers to part of the Eastern Cape that was long ago called Kaffraria and in botanical terms it means that the plant can be found growing naturally in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Today this word is not used because it is an offensive slur and the species name is now afra, meaning, ‘of Africa’.
The genus Uvaria includes 171 accepted species that occur in the tropics of Africa, Madagascar, southern China, New Guinea, New Caledonia and Oceania. Only 3 species occur in South Africa, U. afra, U. gracilipes (small-leaved cluster-pear) and U. lucida subsp. virens (large-fruited cluster-pear).
Ecology
Ecology
The fruits of this plant are eaten by birds and other wildlife, such as monkeys and other fruit-eating mammals. After ingestion, the seeds that pass unharmed through the animal’s gut are carried to new locations and deposited in their excrement, which enables the plant to colonize new areas. Pollinators are necessary for the tree to reproduce successfully. Its fragrant flowers draw pollinators such as bees, beetles and flies. These insects help maintain the genetic variety and seed output of the plant by assisting in the pollen transfer process between blooms. These plants also give insects and birds a place to nest and hide.Swallowtail butterflies breed on this species and some herbivorous insects may also feed on it.
Uses
Use
Different kinds of illnesses are treated with the roots, leaves and bark of this tree, they are utilized as treatments for skin disorders, respiratory problems, fever, cough and gastrointestinal ailments. Fruits are edible, with a tart flavour, and are eaten raw or used to make sauces, jellies and jams. The tree is revered and believed to hold spiritual importance in several cultures, it might be offered to gods or utilized in rites and rituals. Wood is solid, long-lasting and useful for many projects. It can be utilized for small-scale crafting, furniture manufacturing, carpentry and hut-building. The fragrant flowers, shiny leaves and edible fruits make this plant a rewarding ornamental garden subject.
Growing Uvaria afra
Grow
Stem cuttings can be used to propagate the tree: find a mature, healthy stem, cut it to a length of approximately 15 cm, remove all but a few of the lowest leaves, and then dip the cut end into rooting hormone to promote the growth of roots. Keep the cutting moist but not soggy and plan it in a potting mix that drains well. Place the cuttings in a warm, bright spot, away from direct sunlight.
Uvaria afra can also be propagated by seeds. Clean the flesh off the seed, and sow in summer in well-drained soil. Place in a warm environment that is well-lit but not in direct sun, keep moist but not wet.
Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day because it prefers full sun, and make sure the soil is well-drained and somewhat acidic. Provide a trellis or pergola and allow space for it to scramble or climb. To enhance the quality of the soil, you can improve it by adding compost or organic waste. Water the plant frequently, especially during dry spells, but don't give it too much water as this could lead to root rot. Mulch should be used around the base of the plant to keep moisture in and keep weeds out. After blooming, prune the plant to keep it in shape. It is best suited for subtropical or tropical climates.
References
- Boon, R. 2010. Pooley's trees of eastern South Africa, a complete guide. Flora & Fauna Publications Trust, Durban.
- Coates Palgrave, M. 2002. Keith Coates Palgrave trees of southern Africa edition 3. Struik, Cape Town.
- Corrigan, B.M., Van Wyk, B.E., Geldenhuys, C.J. & Jardine, J.M. 2011. Ethnobotanical plant uses in the KwaNibela peninsula, St Lucia, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany 77(2):346-359.
- Cunningham, A.B. & Gwala, B.R. 1986. Building methods and plant species used in Tembe-Thonga hut construction. Annals of the Natal Museum 27(2):491-511.
- Gaugris, J.Y. & Van Rooyen M.W. 2007. The structure and harvesting potential of the sand forest in Tshanini Game Reserve, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany 73(4):611-622.
- Grieve, G. 2020-11. Observation of Uvaria caffra, Clansthal Beach, KwaZulu-Natal. iNaturalist. Online. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/82655031.
- Retief, E. & Herman, P.P.J. 1997. Plants of the northern provinces of South Africa: keys and diagnostic characters. Strelitzia 6. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.
- magdastlucia. 2019-03. Observation of Uvaria caffra, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal. iNaturalist. Online. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/21290433.
- magdastlucia. 2022-03. Observation of Uvaria caffra, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal. iNaturalist. Online. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/108730807.
- Moll, E.J. 1980. A quantitative ecological study of the Hlogwene Forest, Natal. South African Forestry Journal 114(1):19-24.
- Mulaudzi, R.B., Ndhlala, A.R., Kulkarni, M.G. & Van Staden, J. 2012. Pharmacological properties and protein binding capacity of phenolic extracts of some Venda medicinal plants used against cough and fever. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 143(1):185-193.
- Palmer, E. & Pitman, N. 1972. Trees of southern Africa. Balkema, Cape Town.
- Plants of the World Online. Uvaria L. Annonaceae. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30043123-2. Accessed 23/01/2024.
- Robson, N.K.B. 1960. Annonaceae. In: A.W. Exell & H. Wild (eds). Flora Zambesiaca 1 (Part 1):104-149. Crown Agents for Oversea Governments and Administrations, London.
- Von Staden, L. 2018. Uvaria caffra E.Mey. ex Sond. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/12/11. http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=4040-1.
Credits
Umpha Pharamela, National Herbarium, Pretoria
and Alice Notten, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
January 2024
Acknowledgements: images by Geoff Nichols, Graham Grieve and magdastlucia.
Plant Attributes:
Plant Type: Climber, Scrambler, Tree
SA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal
Soil type: Sandy, Loam
Flowering season: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer
PH: Acid, Neutral
Flower colour: Green, Yellow
Aspect: Full Sun, Morning Sun (Semi Shade), Afternoon Sun (Semi Shade)
Gardening skill: Average
Special Features:
Attracts birds
Attracts butterflies
Drought resistant
Fragrant
Edible plant
Medical plant
Useful plant
Horticultural zones
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