BlueGnu - Explore South Africa's many tourist attractions
Matumi
Afrikaans name: Mingerhout
Matumi
Photo © Steven Herbert
Breonadia salicina
The Matumi can grow to heights of up to 40 metres, although they are normally a lot smaller than that.
The Matumi is associated with water and is most often found near perennial rivers. In South Africa it is found in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Northern Province.
The leaves can be up to 17 cm in length. It gets small pale yellow flowers. Its fruit is even smaller.
Although mammals don't make much use of this tree, us humans do. The wood can be used for furniture, parquet flooring and boats (such as dugout canoes). Rameron Pigeons eat the seeds.
Leaves of the Matumi tree
Photo © Steven Herbert
References and further reading
Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - Author: Piet van Wyk - Year Published: 2008 - Page: 217Pocket Guide - Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Piet van Wyk - Year Published: 2013 - Page: 131
Sappi Tree Spotting: Lowveld - Author: Jacana - Year Published: 1997 - Page: 190