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Natal Guarri

Euclea natalensis

SA tree no: 597

English: Natal Guarri, Natal Ebony, Dune Guarri, Broad-leaved Guarri, Large-leaved Guarri

Afrikaans: Natalghwarrie, Berggwarrie, Swartbasboom, Duineghwarrie, Breëblaargwarrie

Xhosa: umTshekisani, umKhasa

Zulu: iDungamuzi, iChitamuzi, umZimane, umTshikisane, inKunzane, inKunzi-emnyama, umHlalanyamazane, umAnyathi

Tsonga: umHlangula

Historical scientific names: Diospyros natalensis, Euclea multiflora

Subspecies:

Euclea natalensis subsp. natalensis
Euclea natalensis subsp. capensis
Euclea natalensis subsp. magutensis
Euclea natalensis subsp. obovata
Euclea natalensis subsp. pustulata
Euclea natalensis subsp. rotundifolia

Euclea natalensis, commonly known as the Natal Guarri or Natal Ebony, is a highly adaptable and attractive indigenous shrub or small to medium-sized tree. This resilient plant, belonging to the Ebony family (Ebenaceae), is cherished for its neat, dense, and rounded crown of dark green, glossy foliage, often adorned with decorative pale, gold-tinged new growth. It is a popular choice for indigenous gardens due to its aesthetic appeal and its ability to attract various wildlife.

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Distinguishing features:

Dense, dark green, glossy, leathery leaves with a paler underside, often with wavy margins and sometimes hairy.
Distinctive pale, gold-tinged (or coppery) new growth that contrasts beautifully with the mature dark green leaves.
Small, bell-shaped, fragrant, creamy-yellow flowers borne in dense clusters in leaf axils.
Rounded, fleshy berry-like fruits that ripen through yellow, orange, and red to black.
Dark grey, thin bark that may become slightly fissured with age.
Often multi-stemmed with a dense, rounded crown.

Overall appearance:

Euclea natalensis is typically a dense, evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub or a small, bushy tree. It forms a neat, dense, and rounded crown with attractive, dark green, glossy foliage, making it an excellent screening plant or a handsome shade tree. Its new growth is often a striking pale, gold, or coppery colour.

Height:

It commonly grows as a shrub or small bushy tree, 4-10 metres tall. Under favourable, warm, and well-watered conditions, it can grow into a medium-sized tree 12-18 metres tall.

Width:

It forms a dense, spreading crown that can reach a width of 3 to 8 metres.

Leaves:

The leaves are simple, alternate (though sometimes appearing opposite due to crowding), hard, and leathery. They are dark green and shiny above, paler underneath, and typically oval to elliptic or obovate in shape, measuring 4-15 cm long. Margins can be wavy, and some subspecies have hairy undersides or prominent veins. New growth is often a beautiful coppery or golden colour.

Flowers:

The flowers are small (about 4 mm in diameter), bell-shaped, and creamy-white to yellow. They are fragrant and are carried in many-flowered, branched sprays or clusters in the leaf axils. Euclea natalensis is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. For the plant to produce fruit, both a male and a female tree must be present.

Flowering season:

It typically flowers from late summer into autumn and early winter, generally from February to July. In Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape (current month June), it would be in its flowering season.

Fruits:

The fruits are rounded, fleshy berries, about 6-10 mm in diameter. They ripen through various colours from yellow, orange, and red, eventually turning glossy black when fully mature. They are mildly sweet and edible.

Seeds:

Each fruit contains 1 to 2 hard, rounded seeds.

Bark:

The bark is dark grey, thin, and relatively smooth, becoming slightly fissured or flaky with age.

Stems:

It is often multi-stemmed from the base, forming a dense, bushy structure. The young stems can be slightly hairy.

Wood:

The wood is hard, fine-grained, and reddish-brown to dark brown, often described as "ebony-like" due to its density and dark colour, especially the heartwood. It is durable and polishes well.

Roots:

It has a strong, non-invasive root system, making it suitable for planting closer to structures than some other trees. It is also good for soil stabilisation.

Soil type:

This tree is highly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy coastal soils to heavier loams. It prefers well-drained soil and tolerates a fair degree of salinity.

Aspect:

Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter climates. It is moderately frost hardy once established, tolerating light to moderate frost, though severe frost might cause some leaf damage. It is very tolerant of coastal conditions, including strong winds and salt spray.

Edibility:

The ripe, black fruits are edible. They have a sweet but slightly astringent taste and can be eaten fresh. They are a favourite of children in many areas.

Toxicity:

Euclea natalensis is not considered toxic. Its fruits are edible, and various parts are used in traditional medicine.

Uses:

Food: Ripe fruits are eaten fresh.
Traditional Medicine: Various parts, especially the roots and bark, are widely used in traditional medicine for a range of ailments, including stomach complaints, headaches, toothaches, skin problems, and as a purgative.
Timber: The hard, dense wood is used for crafting small items, traditional tools, and sometimes for furniture or carvings.
Ornamental: Excellent for hedging, screening, windbreaks, shade, and as a specimen tree in gardens and parks. Its dense foliage and attractive new growth make it very appealing.
Dye: The roots are known to produce a black dye used for colouring baskets and traditional items.
Toothbrush: Small branches or roots are traditionally used as a natural toothbrush due to their properties.

Ecology:

Euclea natalensis is ecologically valuable. Its ripe fruits are a significant food source for a wide variety of frugivorous birds (e.g., starlings, bulbuls, turacos, mousebirds, doves) and various mammals (e.g., monkeys, bushbabies, small antelope), aiding in seed dispersal. Its flowers attract numerous pollinating insects, including bees. The dense canopy provides shelter and nesting sites for birds.

Distribution and habitat:

Euclea natalensis has a wide natural distribution across Southern Africa, primarily found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces of South Africa, extending into Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland), and Zimbabwe. It grows in diverse habitats including coastal dune forest, evergreen forest, riverine fringe, bushveld, and on rocky outcrops, often at lower altitudes.

Derivation of name:

Euclea: The genus name is derived from the Greek word "eukleia," meaning "glory" or "fame," possibly referring to the attractive appearance or useful properties of some species in the genus.
natalensis: The specific epithet is Latin, meaning "from Natal," referring to the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, where this species is prominently found.

Historical aspects:

Euclea natalensis has a long and rich history of use by indigenous communities across Southern Africa. Its edible fruits have been a traditional food source, and its roots and bark have been extensively employed in various traditional medicinal practices, including for oral hygiene. The hard wood has been valued for crafting tools and small items. Its resilience and dense growth have also made it a vital component of coastal ecosystems, contributing to soil stabilisation and providing habitat.

Interesting facts:

This tree has a secret weapon: its roots are traditionally used to make a natural black dye, perfect for colouring baskets and crafts!
The small, sweet berries are a favourite snack for birds and children alike – just make sure they're nice and ripe (black)!
Its new leaves often emerge with a beautiful coppery or golden tint, making it look like it's wearing fancy jewellery.
Some people even use its small branches as a natural toothbrush, showing how resourceful this plant truly is!
It's super tough and can grow almost anywhere, from sandy beaches to rocky hillsides, making it a true survivor of the South African landscape.

Growing tips:

Light: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade.
Soil: Highly adaptable to various well-drained soil types, including sandy, loamy, and even heavier soils.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods and for the first 1-2 years after planting. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
Frost Protection: Young plants may need protection from severe frost. Mature trees are moderately frost hardy but benefit from a sheltered spot in very cold areas.
Propagation: Easily propagated from fresh seeds (clean fruit pulp thoroughly before sowing). Germination can be slow but is usually good. Can also be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings.
Growth Rate: Has a moderate growth rate.
Pruning: Responds well to pruning and can be shaped into a hedge or a multi-stemmed tree. Prune to maintain shape or remove dead/diseased branches.
Placement: Excellent as a screen, hedge, windbreak, small shade tree, or in coastal gardens due to its salt and wind tolerance.

This plant is a fantastic alternative for:

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