Mimusops zeyheri is a medium-sized (up to 15m) evergreen tree belonging to the family Sapotaceae and widely distributed in rocky places from the east coast of southern Africa, inland and northwards to tropical Africa. It is commonly known as milkwood or Transvaal red milkwood. It is closely related to Mimusops obovata and M. caffra, both of which are South African trees.
Its leaves are leathery and entire. Petioles and young leaves are covered in short rusty red hairs. Small amounts of latex can be seen on bruised leaves or petioles. The ripe yellow fruits have a glossy, brittle skin and are sweet and edible, floury in texture and slightly astringent. The wood is reddish-brown in colour, hard and tough, and was traditionally used in the making of wagons. Clusters of fragrant white flowers appear from October to January.
Given sufficient space, this species can grow into a very large, densely shady tree. Some enormous specimens are to be seen amongst the Zimbabwe Ruins. This species is often found in association with Englerophytum magalismontanum.
List of Southern African indigenous trees
Mimusops zeyheri is a medium-sized (up to 15m) evergreen tree belonging to the family Sapotaceae and widely distributed in rocky places from the east coast of southern Africa, inland and northwards to tropical Africa. It is commonly known as milkwood or Transvaal red milkwood. It is closely related to Mimusops obovata and M. caffra, both of which are South African trees.
