Ekebergia capensis aka Cape Ash

Ekebergia capensis, known as Cape ash or dog plum, belongs to the Meliaceae family. It is native to tropical and southern Africa. It grows in forests along rivers and in evergreen upland forests. Other habitats include dry mountain forests, open grassland, and coastal savannah. Its range spans both dry and moist tropical conditions.

This large tree keeps its leaves or sheds some seasonally. Its crown is fairly dense and flat across the top. The usual height is about 23–66 feet (7–20 metres). Some trees reach 115 feet (35 metres). One source also lists a height of 82 feet (25 metres). The trunk can be crooked, with deep grooves and a swollen base. Some trees form buttresses. Forest trees may develop taller trunks than those in open ground. Trunks can reach about 3 feet (0.9 metres) across.

Bees and ants pollinate the flowers. The tree is not self-fertile. Its fruit is a round or oval drupe. Ripe fruit may be pink, reddish brown, or deep red. Each fruit holds two to four stones, usually with one seed each. People eat the fruit raw, though reports describe its taste as poor. This does not make all parts safe to eat. The bark contains a toxic coumarin compound. People have used both bark and roots as poisons.

Grow Cape ash in sun and soil that drains well. Light to medium soils with moderate fertility suit it best. Growth is moderate. It responds well to ample water once planted. Established trees can cope with mild drought. It suits warm climates rather than places with winter frost. Temperatures near freezing can badly damage young growth. Temperatures of 30°F (−1°C) or below may kill mature trees. Seeds and cuttings offer ways to raise new plants. Seeds can take four to eight weeks to germinate.

Gardeners plant this tree for shade in gardens and beside roads. It also gives shade and shelter in plantations. Its wood serves for furniture, joinery, and light building work. The wood is soft, works easily, and takes a smooth finish. It has poor durability and may split during nailing. The bark supplies tannins. Bark, roots, and leaves also have traditional medicinal uses. These uses do not remove the risks from its toxic parts.