Jackal Berry Tree Diospyros mespiliformus

• They have a rounded crown, which is densely foliated.
• They can be found at low to medium altitudes found from Ethiopia to Swaziland.
• They can be found in woodland, often on termite mounds along rivers and their fringes and are only occasionally found on rocky outcrops.
• The bark is a dark blackish grey colour with deep longitudinal fissures.
• The flowers are a creamy grey colour due to hairs on them and are produced from October to March.
• The fruit of this tree is fleshy and round in shape starting out as yellow, turning purple with age.
• The fruit is edible and may often be found in cultivated fields, left there to bear fruit sought after by the land keeper.
• The fruit is either eaten raw or may be kept as a fruit preserve and are born between April to September.
• The fruit may also be used to make a bear.
• The leaves twigs and bark are said to be capable of healing ringworm, leprosy, fevers and dysentery and for treating wounds.
• The wood produces a good quality timber due to its close grain and almost 100% termite proof.
• The wood is used for making canoes, and stamping blocks, furniture and flooring.
• The seeds of this tree have been found in the dung of jackal, hence the name.