Bersama lucens

Bersama lucens

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Common Names

Glossy White-ash (english)
Blinkblaarwitessenhout (afrikaans)
iSindiyandiya (xhosa)
iSindiyandiya (zulu)

Taxonomy

Family MELIANTHACEAE
Genus Bersama
Species lucens
SA Plant Number 439
Basionym Bersama lucens

Description

Bersama lucens is a fairly hardy, evergreen, small, compact tree with a well-developed crown and beautiful blotchy, wrinkled, grey bark.

The young leaves are a brilliant glossy russet brown, turning dark green when mature.

The small greenish white flowers, in long narrow heads, appear from September to June and are followed by green capsules that split to reveal scarlet seeds that attract birds.

The bark is sought after in traditional medicine and this species is becoming increasingly rare.

It is a beautiful, decorative tree for a shady to semi-shady part of the garden. Protect from frost especially when young.

Size 2 to 5m

Wildlife

Uses

Landscaping:

Decorative container plant or subject for shady gardens

Medicinal:

The bark is used in traditional medicinal remedies

Distribution

Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal,  Eastern Cape

Biome:
Forest, Thicket


Habitat:
Bushveld, Evergreen Forest, Forest margin, Forested Ravines

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