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Albany Sumach
Rhoiacarpos capensis
SA tree number
English: Albany Sumach, Wild Sumach, Cape Rhoiacarpos, Dune Myrrh
Afrikaans: Granaatbessie, Duinmirting
Misapplied or old scientific names: Colpoon capense, Hamiltonia capensis, Santalum capense, Fritanus harveyi, Myrica capensis
Rhoiacarpos capensis, commonly known as Albany Sumach, Wild Sumach or Duinmirting, is a resilient indigenous evergreen shrub or small tree native to the coastal regions of the Western and Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is a hardy and often inconspicuous component of dune and coastal fynbos vegetation, characterised by its small, typically scale-like or appressed leaves that are aromatic when crushed, and its small, inconspicuous flowers leading to tiny, dark fruits. As a highly salt-tolerant and wind-resistant species, Dune Myrrh plays a vital ecological role in stabilising coastal sands and supporting coastal ecosystems, making it a valuable plant for coastal rehabilitation and water-wise gardens.
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Distinguishing features
An evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense, somewhat tangled or upright growth habit.
Features very small, often scale-like or appressed, dark green to greyish-green leaves that are aromatic when crushed.
Produces tiny, inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers in small clusters.
Fruits are small, round, fleshy berries that ripen to a dark purplish-black.
Highly adapted to coastal conditions, including strong winds and salt spray.
Overall appearance:
Rhoiacarpos capensis forms a dense, bushy shrub or a compact small tree, often with a somewhat gnarled appearance, especially in exposed coastal environments. Its small, scale-like leaves give it a fine texture, and while its flowers are unassuming, the mass of small, dark berries provides subtle interest.
Height:
Typically grows 1 to 3 metres tall, occasionally up to 5 metres in sheltered conditions. In exposed dune fynbos, it may remain a low, spreading shrub.
Width:
Can spread 1 to 3 metres wide, forming a dense bush.
Leaves:
Simple, alternate, often very small and pressed against the stem (appressed) or scale-like, resembling some conifer foliage.
Shape is typically ovate to elliptic or lanceolate, 2–8 mm long.
They are firm, leathery, dark green to greyish-green, and often slightly aromatic when crushed.
Margins are entire (smooth), sometimes revolute (rolled under).
Flowers:
Tiny, inconspicuous, yellowish-green to brownish.
Borne in small, short spikes or clusters in the leaf axils.
Male and female flowers usually on separate plants (dioecious), or sometimes on the same plant (monoecious).
Flowering season:
Typically flowers in spring to early summer, from September to December.
Fruits:
Small, fleshy drupes (berries), spherical, about 3–5 mm in diameter.
Ripen from green to dark purplish-black or black.
Contain a single seed.
Seeds:
Small, hard, enclosed within the fleshy fruit. Dispersed by birds.
Bark:
Smooth and grey on younger stems, becoming somewhat darker, fissured, and corky or rough with age.
Stems:
Multiple slender, rigid stems that branch to form a dense, often somewhat gnarled shrub. Young stems are slender and brownish-green.
Wood:
The wood is hard and dense, not typically used for commercial timber.
Roots:
Possesses an extensive fibrous root system, well-adapted to sandy soils and important for stabilising dunes.
Soil type:
Highly adaptable to sandy, well-drained soils, particularly those found in coastal areas. It tolerates nutrient-poor soils. Good drainage is crucial.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun. It is highly tolerant of strong winds, salt spray, and exposed coastal conditions, making it an excellent choice for dune stabilisation. It is moderately frost-hardy, tolerating light frost, but severe frost may damage it.
Edibility:
The fruits are not typically eaten by humans, though they are consumed by birds.
Toxicity:
No specific toxicity reported. Generally considered non-toxic.
Uses:
Coastal Stabilisation: Crucial for stabilising coastal dunes and preventing erosion due to its extensive root system and tolerance to harsh coastal conditions.
Environmental Restoration: Used in coastal rehabilitation and revegetation projects.
Wildlife Garden: The berries are a food source for various bird species (e.g., francolins, bulbuls, white-eyes), attracting avian biodiversity to coastal gardens.
Ornamental Plant: A hardy and useful indigenous shrub for coastal gardens, fynbos gardens, and rockeries, especially where a compact, low-maintenance plant is desired.
Hedge Plant: Can be pruned to form a dense, informal hedge or windbreak in coastal areas.
Traditional Uses: While detailed traditional uses are not widely documented, its aromatic properties suggest potential historical use.
Ecology:
Pollination: Small flowers are likely wind-pollinated or pollinated by small generalist insects.
Seed Dispersal: The fleshy, dark berries are consumed by fruit-eating birds, which disperse the seeds through their droppings (endozoochory).
Dune Formation: A pioneer species in dune formation, helping to trap sand and create stable substrate for other plants to colonise.
Habitat Provision: Provides shelter for small animals and insects in its dense foliage.
Distribution and habitat:
Rhoiacarpos capensis is primarily found in the coastal regions of the Western and Eastern Cape.
South African Provinces: Western Cape, Eastern Cape.
Habitat: Dominant in dune fynbos, coastal thicket, and rocky coastal areas. It is found on sand dunes, rocky shores, and coastal plains, often in very exposed positions.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Rhoiacarpos is derived from the Greek words 'rhoia' meaning "pomegranate" (referring to the internal structure of the fruit), and 'karpos' meaning "fruit."
The species epithet capensis is Latin for "from the Cape," indicating its origin in the Cape region of South Africa.
"Dune Myrrh" refers to its coastal habitat and its former classification in the genus Myrica (myrrh family), though it is now in a different family.
Historical aspects:
Rhoiacarpos capensis has been a vital component of South Africa's coastal ecosystems for centuries, playing an understated but crucial role in dune stabilisation. Its resilience and unique adaptation to harsh coastal environments make it a significant plant for conservation and ecological restoration efforts in these sensitive areas. Its reclassification from Myrica to Rhoiacarpos reflects ongoing botanical research into its unique characteristics.
Interesting facts
This "Dune Myrrh" is a true coastal survivor, thriving in the face of strong winds, salt spray, and sandy soils where many other plants simply can't cope!
Don't expect big, showy flowers; its tiny, unassuming blossoms are actually quite clever, adapted for wind pollination in its exposed coastal home.
Its small, often scale-like leaves are quite aromatic when crushed, releasing a subtle, pleasant scent.
Growing tips
Propagation: Best propagated from fresh seeds, which can be slow to germinate. Cuttings can also be attempted from semi-hardwood material but may be challenging.
Planting: Requires a position in full sun. Essential to plant in very well-drained, sandy soil, mimicking its natural dune habitat. It will not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Watering: Highly drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It is well-adapted to low rainfall.
Frost: Moderately frost-hardy, tolerating light frost. In colder inland areas, it might need some protection.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance. Prune lightly to shape or remove dead branches. It grows slowly.
Pests/Diseases: Generally robust and pest-free.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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