African Legacy: Indigenous Plant Files - The Remarkable Sneezewood Tree
- Claude Renaud
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Ptaeroxylon obliquum
I was inspired to start this series about our incredible indigenous plants after going on an amazing tree walk at the Simon and Judy's beautiful River Roost garden just outside Kenton-on-Sea. Hosted by the Kenton Garden Club and guided by the knowledgeable Judy, the experience was a powerful reminder of the rich biodiversity in our own backyards and the trees that stand as silent witnesses to our land’s history.
It feels only right to begin our journey with one of our most iconic trees in the Eastern Cape: the Sneezewood, or Ptaeroxylon obliquum (pronounced 'teroxillon'). This tree is more than just a beautiful part of our indigenous landscape—it's a living piece of history with deep roots in the Eastern Cape.
A Tree That Makes You Sneeze
The name "Sneezewood" isn't a nickname; it's a direct description of a unique characteristic of its wood. When the wood is worked, an irritant oil is released into the air, causing a sharp, sneezing reaction in those who inhale it. This distinct quality is so famous that it gave the tree its scientific name, Ptaeroxylon obliquum, which is a combination of Greek words : "ptaero" (to sneeze) and "xylon" (wood). "obliquum" is Latin for "oblique" or "skew," referring to the distinctive asymmetrical leaflets.
How to Identify a Sneezewood
Identifying a Sneezewood is relatively straightforward, thanks to its distinct features. Keep an eye out for these key signs:
Leaves: The most notable feature is its leaves. It is the only indigenous South African tree with opposite, paripinnate leaves. This means the leaves are arranged in pairs along a central stem (rachis), and the leaf ends with a pair of leaflets at the tip, rather than a single leaflet. The leaflets themselves are dark green, normally glossy, and have an asymmetrical, or oblique, shape, giving the plant its specific name.
Bark: The bark of a young tree is smooth and greyish-white, but as the tree ages, it develops deep, vertical fissures.
Flowers and Fruit: In late winter and early spring (August to December), the tree produces sweetly scented, small yellow/white flowers. These are followed by reddish-brown capsules that split open to release winged seeds.
A Legacy of Strength Rooted in Our History
The wood of the Sneezewood tree is legendary. It is exceptionally hard, heavy, and naturally resistant to termites and rot. For this reason, it was highly prized throughout history for a number of important uses, particularly here in the Eastern Cape.
Fuelling a Town's Progress: In the 19th century, vast quantities of Sneezewood were felled to fuel five lime kilns in Bathurst and the steam tugs that operated at the mouth of the Kowie River in Port Alfred. This historical demand, unfortunately, contributed to the scarcity of mature trees today.
Historic Architecture: The incredible durability of the wood means that it can still be found in historic buildings across the region. You can see Sneezewood beams and fence posts from the 1800s in and around Bathurst, standing as a testament to their enduring strength.
More Than Just a Tree
Beyond its practical uses, the Sneezewood tree plays a vital role in our local ecosystem. The tree is a protected species in South Africa and its beautifully fragrant white flowers attract pollinators and serve as a host plant for the Common Citrus Swallowtail butterfly. The young foliage is browsed and enjoyed by game including various antelope and giraffe.
By honouring and understanding this unique tree, we can appreciate the rich natural heritage that is rooted in our own backyard.
To learn more and see more images of the Sneezewood tree, visit its page on our website: