Natal ebony, Large-leaved euclea, Hairyleaved guarri
Euclea natalensis

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A small tree. In dry areas it can be a stunted shrub 60 cm high but can grow to 12 m high. The trunk can be 46 cm across. The branches are spreading. The leaves are alternate. They are hard and leathery. They are dark green and shiny above and paler below. There can be thick velvety hairs. Leaves are 3-11 cm long and 0.8-5 cm wide. They are oblong and the base is narrowed. The flowers are small and bell-shaped. They are yellow and in many flowered sprays. These are 2.5-5 cm long and in the axils of leaves. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees. The fruit are round and 0.8-1.3 cm across. The fruit stalks are hairy. There is one seed inside. The fruit can be yellow, red or black. The fruit are edible.

It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It usually grows in coastal areas. It grows along river banks. It can grow from sea level to 1200 m altitude. Young plants need protecting from frost. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-12. In Brisbane Botanical Garden.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Australia, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten. Caution: Some say the fruit are poisonous.

Edible parts

Fruit, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

It grows slowly.

Its other names

Local names

Bergghwarrie, Inchitsamuzi, Indvodzemnyma, Kitana, Large-leaved guarri, Mcriparipa, Mulala, Mungulenyele, Mutangulethavha, Natal gwarri, Nkunzemnyama, Uchangula, Umchitamuzi

Synonyms

Royenia macrophylla E. Mey. ex A. DC.; Euclea fructuosa Steedman; Euclea multiflora Hiern;