The sole species is Harpephyllum caffrum, a dioecious evergreen species from South Africa and Mozambique that is also cultivated. The fruit is edible. One of the largest tree species indigenous to South Africa, the Wild plum is known as a forest giant in the forests.
Harpephyllum caffrum is a fairly hardy, large evergreen tree. It has attractive dark foliage with the odd red leaf in the crown.
The small yellowish-green flowers are borne in terminal sprays from October to February. Male and female flowers are on separate trees, therefore only female plants bear fruit
Fleshy red berries follow the flowers and attract many fruit eating birds to the garden. The fruits and the kernels are edible and a delicious jelly can be made from the pulp.
This is a beautifully shaped tree for gardens and makes a wonderful street tree. The bark is used for medicinal purposes and the wood used for furniture.
Size 10 to 20m
