Englerophytum magalismontanum aka Transvaal Milk Plum

Englerophytum magalismontanum is part of the Sapotaceae family. People call it stemberry and Transvaal milkplum. Its native range runs from Tanzania to South Africa. It grows in tropical regions with a dry season. Wild plants grow on rocky ridges and in woods. They also grow in wooded ravines and along rivers. Some grow at forest edges or among rocks in sandy ground.

This evergreen can grow as a shrub or tree. Its site shapes its size and form. The listed garden height is about 16 feet [5 metres]. Shrubs may stand just 7 feet [2 metres] tall. Tree forms may reach 49 feet [15 metres]. Rare woodland trees reach 115 feet [35 metres]. Plants often have two to four main stems. The short trunk can be narrow and crooked. It can have flutes, or grooves along its length. A dense crown of dark green leaves spreads above it. Shrubs can send up shoots called suckers and form clumps.

Flowers can grow straight from the main trunk. The oval fruit turns bright red when ripe. Each fruit measures about one inch across. People in southern Africa gather the wild fruit for food. They eat it fresh or cook it. They boil its juice with water to flavour maize porridge. They also make jam, jelly, syrup, wine and vinegar. They distil the fruit to make mampoer, an alcoholic drink. The source reports no known hazards. This does not prove that every plant part is safe. Nor does it prove safety for pets.

This plant grows fast and suits lowland tropical and subtropical gardens. It grows in a wide range of climates. It needs soil that lets excess water drain away. Plants can cope with drought once they take root. They can also stand some frost. The evidence gives no firm limit for how cold they tolerate. Growers sometimes plant it for its looks. Its evergreen crown and edible fruit add garden value. Fresh seed gives the best results when growing from seed. Seeds take about 37 days to sprout. Seedlings can reach a size fit for transplant about two months later. Growers can also raise plants from cuttings.

The hard, heavy wood has several uses. People make poles, tool handles and spoons from it. They also burn it as fuel. Folk remedies use roots for stomach pain, rheumatism and headaches. Other remedies use both roots and fruit for epilepsy. These records describe folk uses, not proof of safe treatment. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.