ACOKANTHERA OPPOSITIFOLIA

This evergreen to semi-deciduous tree can be seen on the other side of the footpath to the Indigenous Garden. Easy to recognise with its reddish young stems and thick, leathery, ovate and glossy leaves. The flowers appear in dense axillary clusters and are white, often tinged with pink. These flowers are sweetly scented and are followed by large plum coloured berry-like fruits which are very much loved by birds.

BUT : ALL parts of this plant are highly toxic – even braaing meat over its wood has proven fatal. The ripen fruits might be the only thing that isn’t fatal to eat…..