Terminalia prunioides aka Purple Fruited Cluster Leaf

Terminalia prunioides is a shrub or small tree in the Combretaceae family. Its native range runs from eastern and southern Ethiopia to South Africa. It grows in tropical regions with a marked dry season. Wild plants occur on sandy ground and rocky slopes. They also grow in coastal scrub, riverside thickets, and flood plains. Some grow where the soil contains salt.

This tree sheds its leaves and may form several stems. Reported heights range from 8–49 feet [2.5–15 metres]. The reference also lists a general height of 33 feet [10 metres]. These figures do not define a garden-grown size range. The trunk can reach about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] across. Each flower cluster holds both male and bisexual flowers. Male flowers sit near the tip, with bisexual flowers below. The blooms give off a strong, unpleasant scent. Insects pollinate them.

It grows best in full sun and soil that drains well. The soil should have at least a fair nutrient supply. Its preferred soil pH spans 6–8, from slightly acid to alkaline. It can tolerate a wider range of 5.5–8.5. Wild plants grow only in places without frost. The source gives a preferred temperature range of 20–35°C. It reports tolerance of temperatures from 15–40°C. Preferred yearly rainfall falls between 450 and 900 millimetres. These needs suit a warm site with a dry season.

People gather gum, leaves, fruit, and wood from wild trees. The gum is edible, while fruit and leaves make tea. Fruit is preferred because too many leaves give a bitter brew. The source lists no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for every use or for pets. Reported folk remedies use bark for coughs, sore throats, and stomach pain. Roots also feature in remedies for colds, coughs, and constipation. These records describe traditional use, not proof that treatments work.

The yellow wood is heavy, hard, tough, and durable. People use it for tool handles, posts, and building work. Other uses include boat keels and wagon axles. The wood resists borers even in salt water. It also serves as fuel and makes charcoal. Decayed heartwood has a reported use as a cosmetic scent. Seed provides a means of propagation. Sealed storage at 3°C can preserve seed viability for at least one year.