Englerophytum natalense
| Silver-leaf Milkplum (Englerophytum natalense) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific name | Englerophytum natalense [1] |
| Common names | Silver-leaf Milkplum, Natal Milkplum, Forest Stemfruit [2] |
| Family | Sapotaceae [1] |
| Genus | Englerophytum [1] |
| Order | Ericales [1] |
| Growth habit | Evergreen forest tree |
Englerophytum natalense is an evergreen forest tree known as Silver-leaf Milkplum, Natal Milkplum, or Forest Stemfruit. Its leathery grey-green leaves have densely silvery-haired undersides, and its small white to cream flowers are followed by red, acorn-shaped fruit. [3] Historical sources may use Bequaertiodendron natalense or Chrysophyllum natalense, but the accepted species name is Englerophytum natalense. [2]
Description[edit | edit source]
The species grows in subtropical riverine, mixed evergreen, ravine, coastal, and Afromontane forest from South Africa's Eastern Cape through KwaZulu-Natal and into adjoining areas. The foliage is a useful ornamental feature: the upper surfaces are grey-green and the lower surfaces are strongly silvered by dense hairs. Flowers are about 5 mm long and white to cream. [3]
The fruit is an acorn-like drupe, described as red to dark purple when ripe. A specialist grower profile gives a typical size of about 15–25 × 10–15 mm, with sweetish edible pulp around one hard seed; these measurements and flavor notes should be treated as source-specific rather than fixed limits for every tree. [4]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
In nature, E. natalense is associated with forest, ravine, riverine, and other humid settings rather than exposed dry ground. Begin with a deep, organic, well-drained medium that retains moisture without remaining stagnant. A specialist grower profile describes loamy to peaty organic soil and tolerance of mild waterlogging, while also warning of drought sensitivity. [4] Keep the root zone evenly moist during active growth; do not allow a container plant to dry hard between waterings.
The species-specific cultivation guidance is based on botanical and specialist grower profiles rather than a controlled irrigation trial. For a container, use a generous pot with an open, moisture-retentive mix and drainage holes, and protect it from rapid drying. Avoid moving a young plant abruptly from consistently moist shade into hot, reflective conditions.
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
This is a forest tree suited to partial to deep shade. Bright filtered light, shelter from drying wind, and humid air are safer starting conditions than all-day exposed sun, especially for seedlings. [3] The specialist grower profile lists the tree as suitable for container culture, but also describes frost and drought sensitivity. [4] In a dry or marginal climate, a shaded container location with reliable irrigation is more appropriate than an exposed border.
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Flowering is described from roughly November to March in the botanical profile, with a narrower November–February flowering period in the specialist grower account. Fruiting is placed around June–November in that account. [3] [4] These observations indicate a warm-season flowering period followed by fruit development that can extend into the cooler part of the year; local timing may shift with climate and tree age.
Maintain moisture through hot weather and during fruit development. Reduce exposure and provide frost protection wherever freezes are possible: the species-specific profile states that it does not tolerate frost. [3] In climates with a pronounced dry season, irrigation and humidity protection become more important than attempting to reproduce a dry forest-edge cycle.
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Propagate from fresh seed cleaned of its fleshy fruit pulp. Both examined cultivation accounts place germination at about two to three weeks or two to four weeks, so a two-to-four-week working range is more honest than a single schedule. [3] [4]
The specialist grower protocol uses a warm, shaded, compost-rich peaty mix amended with sand. Keep the medium moist and water frequently while avoiding conditions that encourage seed rot. Transplant seedlings after they have developed two or three true leaves, then keep them in individual growing bags or containers. The same account recommends at least two to three years of container growth before planting out, a useful practical precaution for a slow-growing forest tree. [4]
Use fresh seed rather than storing fleshy fruit for long periods before sowing. Protect seedlings from frost, drought, and abrupt changes in light. No documented cultivar or named selection is included here; nursery availability or a regional label does not by itself establish a cultivar.
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
White to cream flowers about 5 mm long appear from November into March in the botanical profile. [3] The specialist grower account places flowering around November–February and fruiting around June–November. [4] A 4 m tree is reported to begin fruiting after about its sixth season; this is a source-specific bearing observation, not a guaranteed age to first crop. [3]
Fruit is harvested when it has developed its red to dark-purple color and is fully mature. The fruit is acorn-shaped and contains one hard seed; the specialist account describes the pulp as sweetish and edible. [4] Harvest timing and color should be checked on the individual tree because the available accounts use slightly different color descriptions and provide no replicated maturity index.
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
People eat the ripe fruits. [3] The fruit is described as having sweetish edible pulp around a hard seed, rather than as a large commercial fruit. [4]
Photos[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ [3] Englerophytum natalense | PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute.
- ↑ [4] Englerophytum natalense, CJM Tree Growers.
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Englerophytum natalense, KwaZulu-Natal NBT, PMB.jpg — foliage of Englerophytum natalense in KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, Pietermaritzburg; JMK; CC BY-SA 3.0; file page. Attribution: JMK / Wikimedia Commons.
- Englerophytum natalense, loof, b, Krantzkloof NR.jpg — close foliage detail of Englerophytum natalense showing parallel venation in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal; JMK; CC BY-SA 3.0; file page. Attribution: JMK / Wikimedia Commons.
