Diospyros whyteana aka Bladder Nut

Diospyros whyteana is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to the ebony family, Ebenaceae. Its native range runs from southwestern Tanzania to South Africa. It also grows in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kew places it in the seasonally dry tropical biome. It grows within mountain forests and along their edges. It also occurs in scrub forest and rocky bushland. In South Africa, its range reaches almost sea level.

The tree grows slowly and often forms several stems. Low branches build a dense crown with a rounded or pyramidal shape. The source lists a height of about 33 feet [10 metres]. Its fuller account gives an upper height of 43 feet [13 metres]. The foliage stays on the plant year-round. Its compact outline and red fruit give it garden value. The plant also responds well to clipping for hedges. The supplied account gives no detailed description of its bark or leaves.

Small flowers give off a strong, pleasant scent. The account does not give a flowering season. The red fruit is nearly round and reaches about 0.8 inches across. A swollen, papery calyx surrounds each fruit. The fruit is edible, though its bitter taste limits its appeal. People roast the seeds to make a drink in place of coffee. The source reports no known hazards. This does not establish safety for every use or for pets.

Fresh seed offers a way to raise new plants. The source advises sowing it soon after the fruit ripens. Light abrasion of the seed coat helps water enter. This treatment must leave the embryo unharmed. Fresh seed often sprouts within four to eight weeks. Seedlings form long taproots early, before much shoot growth appears. Their growth remains slow. The evidence gives no firm guidance on garden light, watering or frost limits.

People use the strong, dense wood for furniture and smaller objects. These include tool handles and spoons. Large logs are not often available. Other uses include fuel, stem toothbrushes and bark dyes. The account also records traditional uses of bark, leaves and roots. These include treatments for rashes, menstrual pain and snakebite. Such records do not show that these treatments work or are safe.