Sideroxylon inerme aka White Milkwood

Sideroxylon inerme is an evergreen tree. It belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It can also grow as a shrub with many branches. Its native range runs from Somalia south to South Africa. It also occurs on Mayotte, Aldabra and Juan de Nova Island. It grows in woods, thickets and forests along the coast. Some trees grow along the inland edge of mangroves. Others grow by rivers or in open woods farther inland.

The tree forms a broad, dense crown with a rounded shape. Its trunk and branches can twist as they grow. Useful Tropical Plants lists a height of 39 feet [12 metres]. Its fuller account gives an upper height of 49 feet [15 metres]. The stout trunk can reach about 2 feet [0.6 metres] across. Trees keep their leaves all year. Some live beyond 500 years. Small flowers are greenish-white and have a strong, foul smell. Round berries turn purple-black as they ripen. They have juicy purple flesh that is sticky around a hard seed.

This species grows in dry to moist areas of the tropics and subtropics. Most sites lie near the coast, though trees also grow inland. Recorded sites reach about 4,921 feet [1,500 metres] above sea level. The supplied sources give no frost limits. They give no hardiness zones either. Seeds offer a simple way to grow new plants. They can sprout within four to six weeks. Growers can also take cuttings from semi-mature side shoots. These can form roots within six to eight weeks.

People plant this tree along streets and in Cape Town landscapes. It does not burn with ease, which adds value in firebreaks. The yellow-brown wood has a fine grain and great weight. It is hard, strong and lasts well, even in damp settings. People use it for poles, spoons, buildings, boats, bridges and mills. They also use the wood for fuel and charcoal. South Africa protects the tree by law. People need permits even to prune it. Three trees there hold National Monument status.

People eat the ripe fruit raw. They also use roots and bark in folk medicine. Reported uses aim to treat broken limbs, eye problems and nightmares. These folk uses do not prove that the treatments work. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. This does not prove safety for every use or animal. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases.