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The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa

White Ironwood

Afrikaans name: Witysterhout

Leaves of Vepris lanceolata

White Ironwood tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

Vepris lanceolata

The White Ironwood is found along the eastern region of South Africa from the Western Cape through to KwaZulu-Natal. It is also found in the Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces but not at lower altitudes. They grow to around 15 metres in height but some specimens can reach 30 metres. The leaves are dark green and are arranged in groups of three. The bark is whitish-grey and sometimes shows a pinkish tinge. The flowers are white and star-shaped but are tiny. The fruits are small and berry-like. They change from green to black when ripe.

References and further reading

Whats that Tree? - Author: Eugene Moll - Published: 2011 - Page: 118

Tsitsikama Trees - Author: Prof. HB Rycroft - Published: 1980 - Page: 44

The Natal Bushveld - Volume 1 - Author: Natal Parks Board - Published: 1981 - Page: 45

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 416

The Gardener - 2020/06 - Author: - Published: 2020 - Page: 32

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 188

Pocket Guide - Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2013 - Page: 64

Sappi Tree Spotting: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape - 2nd edition - Author: Val Thomas and Rina Grant - Published: 2004 - Page: 260

Plants of the Baviaanskloof - Author: D Euston-Brown & M Kruger - Published: 2023 - Page: 458

Photographic Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Author: B, P, and B-E van Wyk - Published: 2000 - Page: 314

Butterfly Gardening in South Africa - Author: Jill Reid - Published: 2000 - Page: 76

Eastern Cape Veld Flowers - 2nd edition - Author: Eily Gledhill - Published: 1981 - Page: 144

Everyones Guide to Trees of South Africa - Author: Keith, Paul and Meg Coates Palgrave - Published: 1989 - Page: 45

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Revised - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 171

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1977 - Page: 156

Butterfly Gardening in South Africa - Author: Jill Reid - Published: 2000 - Page: 58

For more info: SANBI


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