
Red Currant
Afrikaans name: Bos-taaibos

Above - Unripe fruit of the Red Currant
Photo © Steven Herbert
Rhus chirindensis
The Red Currant tree is an attractive tree, particularly during autumn when its leaves become reddish-brown. They normally grow to a height of 10 metres or less but some trees can reach double this height.
During spring and summer they develop sprays of small yellowish-green flowers and fruit develops between December and March. Initially the fruit, which is borne in large bunches, is green but it becomes reddish-brown when ripe. Individual trees are either male or female and only female trees bear fruit.
The fruit of the Red Currant is eaten by most fruit-eating birds as well as Vervet Monkeys. The leaves are eaten by various mammals including Kudu, Bushbuck, Nyala and Black Rhino.
The wood of this tree is used to make furniture. Traditionally the sap of the Red Currant has been used for treating various heart problems.

Above - Leaves of the Red Currant tree
Photo © Steven Herbert
References and further reading
Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 567Tsitsikama Trees - Author: Prof. HB Rycroft - Published: 1980 - Page: 52
Whats that Tree? - Author: Eugene Moll - Published: 2011 - Page: 112
Sappi Tree Spotting: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape - 2nd edition - Author: Val Thomas and Rina Grant - Published: 2004 - Page: 270
The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 250
Sappi Tree Spotting: Bushveld - 2nd edition - Author: R Grant and V Thomas - Published: 2005 - Page: 248
Pocket Guide - Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2013 - Page: 80
Photographic Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Author: B, P, and B-E van Wyk - Published: 2000 - Page: 266
Healing Trees & Plants of the Lowveld - Author: Dumes, Loon and Bester - Published: 2009 - Page: 56
A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Revised - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 207
Everyones Guide to Trees of South Africa - Author: Keith, Paul and Meg Coates Palgrave - Published: 1989 - Page: 58
A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1977 - Page: 189
For more info: SANBI
This website features affiliate links, meaning we’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.
Copyright Steven Herbert Projects, 2013 - 2024. All rights reserved.