Apple-leaf Tree

Afrikaans name: Appelblaar

Apple-leaf tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

Lonchocarpus capassa

Another name for the Apple-leaf tree is the Rain Tree. The Apple-leaf is found in various areas but achieves its tallest heights along rivers and other water courses.

The flowers of the Apple-leaf attract a lot of bees as they are very fragrant and give off a lot of nectar. They vary in height between 5 and 15 metres. The trunk of the Apple-leaf is slightly twisted. The wood is hard and heavy and is used for making heavy duty items such as tool handles and dug-out canoes.

Although the leaves are not very palatable a number of species, including Giraffe and Kudu, will occasionally browse on them. Elephants feed off the branches.

Gardeners in frost-free areas may consider adding an Apple-leaf to their garden. The tree grows quickly from seed.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Wild Issue 35 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 82

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 174

Sasol First Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1999 - Page: 38

Sixty-six Transvaal Trees - Author: B de Winter, M de Winter & D Killick - Published: 1996 - Page: 80

Sappi Tree Spotting: Lowveld - Author: Jacana - Published: 1997 - Page: 112

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Revised - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 164

Photographic Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Author: B, P, and B-E van Wyk - Published: 2000 - Page: 194

Piet van Wyks Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 1st edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 1988 - Page: 96

SA Wild Flower Guide No 4 - Transvaal Lowveld - Author: Jo Onderstall - Published: 1984 - Page: 114

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1977 - Page: 149

For more info: SANBI

---

Top