Black Bird-berry

Afrikaans name: Geelblomvoëlbessie

Black Bird-berry tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

Psychotria capensis

The Black Bird-berry tree, or shrub, is only found in southern Africa. It occurs along the southern and eastern regions of South Africa from Knysna through to Limpopo. Beyond South Africa's borders it is found in portions of Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

This tree varies in height from 3 to 8 metres although a maximum height of around 5 metres is normal.

The Black Bird-berry gets bunches of yellow flowers between August and January. These give way to bunches of small fruit which start out yellow and go red or black as they ripen.

As can be deduced from the trees common name their fruit is a popular food for many species of birds with Mousebirds and White-eyes being regular visitors.

This tree is quite popular with gardens as it has attractive flowers, bright foliage and attracts birds.

References and further reading

Whats that Tree? - Author: Eugene Moll - Published: 2011 - Page: 151

The Gardener - 2016/01 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 50

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 1127

Everyones Guide to Trees of South Africa - Author: Keith, Paul and Meg Coates Palgrave - Published: 1989 - Page: 103

Gardening with Indigenous Shrubs - Author: David and Sally Johnson, Geoff Nichols - Published: 2002 - Page: 88

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 486

Sappi Wild Flower Guide - Mpumalanga and Northern Province - Author: Jo Onderstall - Published: 1996 - Page: 201

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Revised - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 329

Eastern Cape Veld Flowers - 2nd edition - Author: Eily Gledhill - Published: 1981 - Page: 216

For more info: SANBI

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