This medium-size tree has a cylindrical stout trunk, sometimes buttress with radiating branches that form a broad rounded crown. It has divided dark green leaves and the small cup-shaped green-white flowers appear in a cluster during summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11

Harpephyllum caffrum is naturally found in northern South Africa from the Eastern Cape north to KawZulu-Natal and extending to southern Mozambique growing in forests.

It prefers a well drained deep fertile moist sandy to silty clay soil that is acidic tending neutral and grows in an open sunny position with protection from salty winds, frost and drought. 

Kaffir Plum is grown for its glossy pendant foliage, colourful fruit and its dense rounded crown. It is planted in large gardens or parks as a lawn specimen for shade or used for street plantings. It establishes in 4 to 6 years and is long lived. It may also be used as an potted indoor plant when young and the timber is used in buildings and for furniture manufacture. The mature fruit is commonly used for making jams and jellies and attracts birds. ID 12

Note:
Take care when selecting a site for planting as this tree requires ample room to grow.

Harpephyllum (hah-pa-FY-lum) caffrum (KAF-rum)

“Harpephyllum”, from Greek harpoedes, “sickle” or “harp”, + phyllum, “a leaf”; “caffrum”, after Kaffir, the place of origin in South Africa.

Anacardiaceae (an-a-kard-ee-AY-see-ee)