Coastal Red Milkwood
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(Mystroxylon aethiopicum)
Coastal Red Milkwood (Mystroxylon aethiopicum)
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Mahomed Desai
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Mahomed Desai
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Mahomed Desai | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Mahomed Desai | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2023-07-05T09:53:49-07:00 |
Summary
Mystroxylon aethiopicum, commonly known as Coastal Red Milkwood or Knobwood, is an evergreen tree native to the coastal forests, riverine woodlands, and montane forests of Eastern and Southern Africa. It exhibits a moderate growth rate and typically reaches a height of 15-50 feet (4.6-15 meters) with a dense, rounded crown. The bark is rough and dark brown, providing textural interest. During the summer, it produces inconspicuous white flowers, which are followed by small, red to purple fruits that attract birds and other wildlife.
Coastal Red Milkwood is valued for its hardy nature and adaptability to different environments, making it suitable for urban settings and coastal landscapes. It is often used as a shade tree or for screening purposes due to its dense foliage. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium draining loam soils. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Coastal Red Milkwood is valued for its hardy nature and adaptability to different environments, making it suitable for urban settings and coastal landscapes. It is often used as a shade tree or for screening purposes due to its dense foliage. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium draining loam soils. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 15-50 feet
- Width: 10-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Coastal forests, riverine woodlands, and montane forests of Eastern and Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Knobwood
Scientific Names: Mystroxylon aethiopicum, Cassine engleriana, Cassine velutinum, Elaeodendron pubescens, Mystroxylon aethiopicum f. occidentale, Mystroxylon athroanthum
GBIF Accepted Name: Mystroxylon aethiopicum