Cape teak, Chaka's wood
Strychnos decussata
Family: Loganiaceae
What it is like
A small slender tree. It grows 3-12 m high. The branches are very leafy and droop downwards. The bark is dark grey and rather smooth. It has light brown dots. The leaves are oval and broadest above the middle. They are 1.5-5 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They are leathery. They are glossy green. The base tapers. The flowers are small and white or greenish. They have a scent. They are in loose heads 3.5 cm long by 2 cm wide. They occur in the axils of leaves or on old wood. The fruit are almost round. They are fleshy with a crusty rind. They are about 1.5 cm across. They are orange or red when mature. They contain 1 or 2 smooth seeds.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It is native to S Africa. They grow at low altitudes and along rocky dry watercourses. It grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level. It can grow in the lowlands. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The green fruit are considered poisonous. The ripe fruit are eaten. CAUTION: Many Loganiaceae are very poisonous.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ampeny, Dangoa, Hazomby, Hapeny, Mdolongwe, Mebuebue, Mutolongwe, Umpathawenk, Vakampeny