Wild Plum – 5 Seeds

Wild Plum (Harpephyllum caffrum) is a large dioecious, evergreen tree that grows up to 15 m tall. Branches are curved bowed upwards, with leaves crowded towards the ends, forming a thick crown at the top of the tree. It has dark green sickle-shaped leaves that have a glossy appearance. An odd red leaf may be scattered throughout the foliage.

White blossoms are followed by loose clusters of oblong fruits. They are 3 cm long and first appear green but become bright red when ripe. The flesh of the fruit has a velvety texture, is peach-orange in color and contains a large seed. The fruit is used for making jams and jellies. The bark of the tree has medicinal benefits. It is used to treat skin conditions and sprains or fractures.

Common names: wild plum (Eng.); wildepruim, suurbessie, gwenjabessie (Afr.); umgwenya (Zulu, Xhosa); mothekele (Northern Sotho)

Growing Wild Plum

• Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours.
• Then sow the seeds in trays filled with river sand or a normal potting soil. Do not plant the seeds too deep, as they can easily rot.
• Germination in about 3 – 6 weeks.
• Once established, the tree is drought tolerant.