Rapanea melanophloes

Cape Beech (e), Boekenhout (a), isiCalabi (z)

S.A. No. 578

Type	Size	Characteristics	Flowers	Position
Tree	3 x 5 metres	Hardy, evergreen.	Greenish white	Sun to semi-shade

Hardy, medium-sized, evergreen tree with dark leaves that have a purplish cast to them. The small greenish-white flowers from May to July attract insects and are followed by small purple fruits borne in profusion close to the stems that attract birds. A good garden subject planted as a specimen and a useful addition to screen planting with its unusual colour foliage. It has a non-aggressive root system. The wood is used for making furniture and violins and has many magical and medicinal uses.

Size 4 to 10m : Size in Gauteng 3to 5m