Nyala Tree (Xanthocercis zambesiaca)

Family Papilionoidae

A very large evergreen tree reaching up to 30m in height. Growing in the northern regions of Limpopo and the eastern regions of Mpumalanga.

Extract from Palgraves: “The fruits are eaten by Africans when fresh, or wrapped in a hide and buried for several weeks; when mature the resultant mass is made into porridge or dried and ground into meal. The wood is attractive and fine textured; it works well but causes irritation to the nose and throat while being handled. Termite mounds are frequently found growing up around the bases of these trees. The seed germinates readily and many seedlings may be found around the parent tree. The plants grow slowly and will tolerate only very mild frosts, but they could be cultivated and would provide fine shade trees in large gardens and parks. This is a protected tree in South Africa.”