Fabaceae -Pea family
SA Tree no 241
This tree grows on alluvial soils along river banks, as well as on deep, sandy soils of the Lowveld. In the Kruger single trees may be seen along the Sabie, and other rivers, but it is more common north of the Shingwedzi, where it grows along the rivers. It is not found in Swaziland or in KwaZulu Natal.
It is a large (height up to 30 m) dense, evergreen riverine tree, that branches low down. The massive trunk, which is gnarled and crooked, often appears to be composed of multiple stems buttressed together, and has leaves growing directly from it. The relatively small compound leaves are not individually visible from a distance of 30 m. The bark is dark grey, tinged with yellow. It is rough, does not peel, but is cracked into small, irregular squares.
Links with animals - The fruit is eaten by a wide variety of birds, as well as by monkey and baboon. Elephant and buck eat fruit that has fallen off the tree.
Human uses - The fresh fruit is edible, while the dried fruit is used to make porridge.
Gardening - It grows well in clay soils, and is a suitable shade tree. It is neither frost- or draught-resistant. It is a slow grower, and can be grown from seed.
Leaves - Compound, with a single leaf at the tip, alternate, oval, with smooth margins. The leaves are dark green and shiny, with about 7 pairs of leaflets with a terminal leaflet. (Leaf: 120 mm; leaflet: 55 x 20 mm)
Flowers - The flowers are small with a prominent stamen. Sweet-scented, white to cream sprays grow at the end of the branches, November to December.
(Spray: 50 - 100 mm)
Fruit - The grape-like fruits are green and turn dark brown from March. They stay on the tree for most of the year. (25 x 20 mm)
Best places to see the Nyala Tree in Southern Africa:
The Nyala Tree is found in the Kruger National Park in the Sabie Crocodile Thorn Thickets, Riverine Communities, Olifants Rugged Veld & Alluvial Plains ecozones.
 Tree species of Southern Africa >> Printable Tree List <<
South African Trees >> Printable Tree List <<
The Plant Kingdom (Plantae)
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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