Deinbollia oblongifolia

Deinbollia oblongifolia

Quantity:

Common Names

Dune Soapberry (english)Duineseepbessie (afrikaans)Iqinisamasimu (zulu)Umasibele (xhosa)

Taxonomy

Family SAPINDACEAE
Genus Deinbollia
Species oblongifolia
SA Plant Number 430
Basionym Deinbollia oblongifolia

Description

Deinbollia oblongifolia is a hardy, briefly deciduous, shrub or small tree with large decorative, dark green leaves crowded at the ends of the branches.

The pyramids of white flowers, which stand out above the leaves, are borne from March to June and are followed by white fruit that is much favoured by birds.

Lichens readily grow on the bark giving it a lovely mottled effect.

One of the best plants for attracting butterflies, moths, other insects and birds to the garden.

An attractive garden plant for shady areas that also makes a good container plant for indoors.

Traditionally the seeds are used to make soap, the leaves eaten as spinach and the roots used medicinally.

Size 1.5 to 5m.

Seeds

Lifestyle Seeds may have stock of Deinbollia oblongifolia seeds.

Wildlife

Wildlife garden plant: One of the best plants for attracting butterflies, moths, other insects and birds to the garden. Many pollinating insects are attracted to the flowers (and as a consequence, so are insectivorous birds). Birds and insects are attracted by the ripe fruit.

Butterfly Host Plant: The Dune Soap Berry is the larval host to many butterfly species including some of the Emperors, Playboys, Foresters and Hairstreaks

Uses

Traditional uses: The seeds are used to make soap, the leaves eaten as spinach and the roots used medicinally.

Landscaping: A small tree that is suitable for shady conditions, including being planted as an indoor container plant.

Distribution

Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape

Biome:Forest, Thicket

Natural Habitat Dune bush and forests, bush clumps, riverine fringes and coastal open woodland.

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