Description
Cape Beech
Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Mez
Family: Myrsinaceae
Common names: Cape Beech (Eng.); Boekenhout, Beukehout (Afr.); IsiCalabi, umaPhipha, iKhubalwane, isiQalaba sehlati (Zulu); isiQwane sehlati (Xhosa); iGcolo, udzilidzili (Sw)
Wildlife
- The flowers attract bees and flies,
- The fruit is eaten birds, baboons, vervet monkeys and bushpig.
Medicinal
- The grey bark and sometimes the roots are used medicinally for respiratory problems, stomach, muscular and heart complaints.
- The bark contains tannin and is used as iNtelezi (a charm to protect against evil spirits) by Nguni people.
Practical Uses
- The wood is hard and used to make furniture and violins.
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Image: sanbi.org