This name is not universally accepted. We have followed the treatment in African Plant Database[] and others, but some botanists are rejecting the Genus name Elaeodendron and are merging it with Cassine[]. In that case, this species will be Cassine transvaalensis (Burtt Davy) Codd[].

Common Name:

General Information

Elaeodendron transvaalense is an irregular shrub to tall rounded bush or tree, growing from 1.5 - 18 metres tall[, , ].
The bark of the plant is a favoured treatment for stomach aches and fevers. It is commonly harvested from the wild for local use and is also sold in local markets. The plant is also a source of food, tannins and wood for local use. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental tree in gardens[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - southern Angola, Namibia, southern Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zimbabwe, southern Mozambique, Swaziland, S. Africa.

Habitat

Open woodland; thickets, scrub; sandy soil; termite mounds; at elevations from sea level to 1,400 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	7.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Fould in a range of soils, favouring those that are rich in lime[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ]. The somewhat elongated yellow fruits are up to 20mm long, broadly tapering to each end[].

The bark has a faint aromatic scent and is said to brew tea with a pleasant flavour. This tea is drunk as an appetizer[].

Medicinal

Bark infusions and decoctions are a favoured local medicine, taken either as a drink or as an enema, for the treatment of stomach complaints and fevers[]. They are also used as a drink in the treament of venereal diseases, kidney and bladder complaints, skin diseases, swellings, haemorrhoids, and to improve the appetite[, ].
Root extracts are sometimes used for similar complaints[].

Leaves are chewed to treat throat problems, and a leaf decoction is drunk against poisoning[].

Extracts showed in-vitro activity against Trichomonas vaginalis, an important cause of urogenital infections[].

Other Uses

The bark contains more than 13% tannins and has been used for tanning[, ].

The pale whitish wood is brittle. It has been used to make cattle troughs, spoons, ladles, headrests and tobacco pipes[].

Propagation

Seed - germinates easily if the sead coat is first broken (being careful not to damage the seed), otherwise it can take 12 months or more[]. For effective germination, soak the seeds overnight in warm water to soften the seed coat prior to removing it. Otherwise the coat can also be removed by lightly rubbing the seeds with sandpaper. Sow the seeds in a container in a shaded position, only just covering them[].
Cuttings are difficult to root[].

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