Volkameria glabra aka Volkameria Glabra

Volkameria glabra is a shrub or small tree with many branches. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range runs from Somalia south to South Africa. It also occurs in the western Indian Ocean region. Kew places it in the seasonally dry tropical biome. Wild plants grow on coastal dunes and in evergreen coastal thicket. They also grow on dry hillsides with rocky ground.

The plant can take either a shrub or tree form. The listed height is about 21 feet [6.5 metres]. Some plants reach 33 feet [10 metres], though most stay smaller. Its scented flowers add to its value as a garden plant. Insects pollinate the flowers. The fruit measures about 0.02–0.03 feet [0.006–0.010 metres] across. Ripe fruit has a white surface with a marbled pattern. It turns black when dried. The supplied sources give no further details of leaves or bark.

This species grows in warm temperate and tropical regions. In gardens, it needs full sun and fertile soil. The soil must drain well. Its wild habitats span both coastal sites and higher ground. In Mozambique, records reach about 656 feet [200 metres] above sea level. In Botswana, they reach about 3,609 feet [1,100 metres]. The evidence gives no frost limit or hardiness zone. It also gives no set watering schedule or pest guidance.

People grow this species for ornament and use it for hedges. They also gather wild plants for food and traditional medicine. The fruit is edible. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for the species. That report does not establish safety for every plant part. Traditional uses include leaf preparations for fever, stomach complaints, and lung troubles. People also use leaves as wound dressings. Recorded root uses include arthritis and venomous bites or stings. These records describe folk uses, not proof that treatments work.

Growers can raise new plants from seed or cuttings. The source advises sowing seed soon after collection. Germination can vary, but may take 20–60 days at 20°C. Young seedlings go into separate pots before planting out. Other methods include softwood, half-ripe wood, and root cuttings. Growers can also divide suckers to make new plants.