There are so many reasons to plant White Ironwood Trees, check out all the precious gifts they give to life on earth!
💚 WILDLIFE 💚
◾ According to Thomas & Grant (2004), three different species of caterpillars of the Swallowtail butterfly family feed on this tree (best known of the species is the Citrus Swallowtail butterfly, Papilio demodocus).
◾ Porcupines have been observed to eat the bark.
◾ A range of bird species have been noted to love the fruit, particularly the Red-winged Starling and the Crested Barbet.
◾ The sweetly-scented flowers lure butterflies, bees, wasps, beetles, moths at night.
◾ Birds often roost amongst the dense foliage.
◾ The fruits attract a host of fruit-eating bird species.
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💚 MEDICINAL 💚
◾ Powdered root used as a remedy for influenza.
◾ Traditionally the powdered roots are used for influenza and colic and the leaves are burnt to dispel evil spirits.
◾ The leaves contain chemical compounds such as alkaloids and limonoids and have moderate antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
◾ Extracts in various forms are used to treat respiratory infections, fever, influenza, gastric pains and rheumatism.
◾ Crushed leaves are applied topically to clean wounds and sores.
◾ The pulverised roots are said to ease menorrhagia and cardiac pains and are also used against colic and flu.
◾ The leaves are also burnt as a fumigation agent and disinfectant.
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💚 PRACTICAL USES 💚
◾ The wood is used to produce wheel spokes, handles, roof beams, ornaments and turnery.
◾ It is highly valued for furniture making, roof beams, tool and implement handles, flooring, vehicle bodies, mine props, toys, novelties, precision equipment, vats and general carpentry and turnery.
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🌳 Gift an indigenous forest tree in honour of a loved one from our selection of indigenous tree species and help us preserve and maintain the status of our beautiful Garden Route as a natural biosphere. :
https://precioustreeproject.org.za/shop/item/white-ironwood/
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