Curtisia dentata aka Assegai Tree

Curtisia dentata, known as assegai, is an evergreen tree from southern Africa. Its range includes eastern Zimbabwe, southern Mozambique, Eswatini and South Africa. Kew places it in the family Curtisiaceae. It grows in mountain forests and gullies beside streams. It also lives on grassy slopes and in coastal scrub. In scrub, it can form a small, bushy tree.

Reported heights are often 7–39 feet [2–12 metres]. Another height listing gives 49 feet [15 metres]. The tallest trees reach about 66 feet [20 metres]. Forest trees can form a long, straight trunk without buttresses. Trunks may reach about 6 feet [1.8 metres] across. Trees in open ground can keep branches near the ground. The foliage stays on the tree throughout the year. This gives the species value as a garden tree.

The fleshy fruit is round to oval and small. Each measures about 0.4 inches [10 millimetres] across. Fruit can stay on the tree for a long time. It adds interest after it forms and is edible, though bitter. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for this species. That statement does not establish safety for every use. The tree is self-fertile, and the source also lists wind pollination.

This tree suits warm tropical and subtropical climates. It favours a clear dry season rather than very wet or dry conditions. Give it full sun and deep, fertile soil rich in humus. Young trees can survive deep forest shade. More light helps them grow faster. Established trees can cope with some drought. Growth can be slow in nature but faster in gardens. Cut stumps regrow, and roots can send up suckers. Seedlings need shelter from frost, strong sun and hot soil. Drought and damping-off fungi can also harm them. Keep seedlings moist, but not wet, in light shade.

The hard, strong wood has long served as timber. Heavy cutting for wagon-making helped reduce the number of large forest trees. The wood takes a smooth finish and has some durability in wet conditions. Bark, twigs and leaves contain tannins. Traditional healers use the bark for stomach complaints and diarrhoea. Demand for bark has added pressure on the tree. Leaf extracts and isolated compounds have shown antibacterial and antifungal activity in tests. These findings do not establish a safe home treatment.