Red beech
Protorhus longifolia
Family: Anacardiaceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. It grows 15 m tall. It has a dense rounded crown. The bark is dark brown, rough and cracked. The leaves are simple and opposite. The leaves are dark and glossy on the upper surface with lighter veins. They are more pale underneath. The edges are wavy. The flowers are red to pink and 4 mm across. They are in sprays 15 cm long. They can be in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. Often male and female flowers are on separate trees. The fruit are small and kidney shaped and fleshy. They are purple when ripe.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It is very drought tolerant. It can stand light frosts. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten boiled.
They are a famine food.
Edible parts
Leaves, fruit
How it is grown
It is grown from seed.
It grows quickly.
Its other names
Local names
Fuco, Ikhubalo, Infuce, Isifico, Rooiboekenhout, Umhlangoti, Umkhomuso, Umpupati