Mimusops zeyheri
Transvaal red milkwood | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Sapotaceae |
Genus: | Mimusops |
Species: | M. zeyheri
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Binomial name | |
Mimusops zeyheri Sond.
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Mimusops zeyheri is a medium-sized (up to 15m) evergreen tree belonging to the family Sapotaceae and widely distributed in rocky places from the east coast of southern Africa, inland and northwards to tropical Africa. It is commonly known as milkwood or Transvaal red milkwood. It is closely related to and M. caffra, both of which are South African trees.
Description[]
Its leaves are leathery and entire. Petioles and young leaves are covered in short rusty red hairs. Small amounts of latex can be seen on bruised leaves or petioles. The ripe yellow fruits have a glossy, brittle skin and are sweet and edible, floury in texture and slightly astringent. The wood is reddish-brown in colour, hard and tough, and was traditionally used in the making of wagons. Clusters of fragrant white flowers appear from October to January.
Habit[]
Given sufficient space, this species can grow into a very large, densely shady tree. Some enormous specimens are to be seen amongst the Zimbabwe Ruins. This species is often found in association with Englerophytum magalismontanum.
Gallery[]
Flower buds Flowers Fruit
See also[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mimusops zeyheri. |
List of Southern African indigenous trees
References[]
- "Mimusops zeyheri". PlantZAfrica.com. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
- Mimusops
- Flora of South Tropical Africa
- Flora of Tanzania
- Trees of Angola
- Trees of Botswana
- Trees of South Africa
- Flora of Swaziland
- Taxa named by Otto Wilhelm Sonder
- Sapotaceae stubs
- Tree stubs