Scientific name: Harpephyllum caffrum
Evergreen tree from the Anacardiaceae family (same as mango and cashew) — native to forests of South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. The tree is dioecious, so both a male and a female tree are required to produce fruit. Seed-grown trees may also emerge as dioecious, and this phenomenon has been observed in Israel. The fruit is an oblong drupe 2-3 cm long, with a glossy dark-red skin when ripe and juicy yellow-orange flesh with a tart-sweet flavor reminiscent of wild plum. Each fruit contains one large stone. Used in traditional Zulu and Xhosa medicine; the fruits are used to make jam, wine and traditional beverages
10 ליטר - 250 ₪ / 25 ליטר - 500 ₪
Prices are updated according to nursery stock. Nationwide shipping in Israel; self-pickup is free.
African Plum (Wild Plum, umGwenya) (Harpephyllum caffrum) — Evergreen tree from the Anacardiaceae family (same as mango and cashew) — native to forests of South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. The tree is dioecious, so both a male and a female tree are required to produce fruit. Seed-grown trees may also emerge as dioecious, and this phenomenon has been observed in Israel. The fruit is an oblong drupe 2-3 cm long, with a glossy dark-red skin when ripe and juicy yellow-orange flesh with a tart-sweet flavor reminiscent of wild plum. Each fruit contains one large stone. Used in traditional Zulu and Xhosa medicine; the fruits are used to make jam, wine and traditional beverages
During the first two years water regularly — 2–3 times a week in summer, and in winter according to rainfall and soil moisture, letting the top layer dry between waterings. Established trees need less frequent irrigation. Good drainage matters most: standing water at the roots is more harmful than under-watering.
Protect young plants from frost with fleece, mulch, or by growing them in a container that can be moved to a sheltered spot. Mature trees are more resilient; in colder areas plant in a wind-sheltered corner.
Time to fruiting depends on plant size and propagation method: grafted plants fruit earlier than seedlings. Buying a larger, developed plant shortens the wait considerably. Regular watering, seasonal fertilizing, and correct placement have the greatest influence on first flowering.
You can buy African Plum (Wild Plum, umGwenya) plants directly at Fill the Land nursery, 27 HaSe'ora St, Tzrufa, with nationwide shipping. Details and ordering: https://malo-et-haaretz.com/en/plant/harpephyllum-caffrum.