Diospyros mespiliformis

Diospyros mespiliformis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Ebenaceae
Genus:	Diospyros
Species:	D. mespiliformis
Binomial name
Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC.
Synonyms
Diospyros sabiensis Hiern Diospyros senegalensis Perr. ex A. DC.

Diospyros mespiliformis, the jackalberry (also known as African ebony and by its Afrikaans name jakkalsbessie), is a large deciduous tree found mostly in the savannas of Africa. Jackals are fond of the fruits, hence the common names.

Mature trees have dark gray fissured bark. An adult tree reaches an average of 4 to 6 metres in height, though occasionally trees reach 25 metres. The foliage is dense and dark green with elliptical leaves, which are often eaten by grazing animals such as elephants and buffalo. The tree flowers in the rainy season; the flowers are imperfect, with genders on separate trees, and are cream-colored. The female tree bears fruit in the dry season and these are eaten by many wild animals; they are oval-shaped, yellow and about 20-30mm in diameter. When the fruits ripen they turn purple. The tree, like Marula, is favoured by the Bantu, who will leave them growing in their cultivated lands in order to harvest the fruit.

Growth

Jakkalsbessie trees often grow on termite mounds, preferring deep alluvial soils, but not uncommon on the savanna on sandy soils. It grows in mutualism with termites, which aerate the soil for the tree but do not eat the living wood; in turn, the tree provides protection for the termites. Jakkalsbessie is the largest species in this genus in Southern Africa. This species is widespread, north up to the Sahara. It is a member of the family Ebenaceae, together with trees such as true ebony (Diospyros ebenum) and the edible persimmon, (Diospyros kaki).

Uses

Fruit

A traditional food plant in Africa, this fruit has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.^[1]

The fruit is edible for humans; its flavor has been described as lemon-like, with a chalky consistency. They are sometimes preserved, can be dried and ground into a flour, and are often used for brewing beer and brandy.

The Ovambo people call the fruit of the Jackalberry eenyandi and use it to distill Ombike, their traditional liquor.^[2]

Medicinal

The leaves, bark and roots of the tree contain tannin, which can be used as a styptic to staunch bleeding. The roots are consumed to purge parasites and is thought to be a remedy for leprosy.

Wood

The wood of the jakkalsbessie is almost impervious to termite damage. The heart wood is fine-grained and strong, and is often used for making wood floors and furniture. Trunks of the tree are used for canoes. The wood ranges in color from light reddish-brown to a very dark brown.

References

1. National Research Council (2008-01-25). "Ebony". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume III: Fruits. Lost Crops of Africa 3. National Academies Press. ISBN 978-0-309-10596-5. Retrieved 2008-07-25.
2. Shaanika, Helvy (26 October 2012). "Ombike – a potent traditional brew". New Era.

External links

• Blue Planet Biomes article on the Jackalberry
• Diospyros mespiliformis in U. Brunken, M. Schmidt, S. Dressler, T. Janssen, A. Thombiano & G. Zizka: West African plants - A Photo Guide. Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Frankfurt/Main 2008.
• "Diospyros mespiliformis". Plantz Afrika. Retrieved 2010-02-09.