Tiliaceae - Linden family
SA Tree no 459.2
These trees or shrubs are often seen in groups along the edges of roads, river banks and dry rivers, growing in large uniform groups.
They are multi-stemmed and densely branched, forming a very irregular leafy canopy, and grow 2 - 5 m. The leaves are broad and hairy, the leaf tips being rounded or pointed, which helps with specific identification. They have yellow, star-like flowers. The fruit is berry-like and hard.
Links with animals - The fruit of bushes are eaten by birds, especially hornbills, and also by baboon and monkey. Kippering and impala eat the leaves.
Human uses - The fruit is edible, the wood used for sticks and knobkieries and young branchlets are used to weave baskets.
Gardening - These small shrubs are not really attractive or neat enough to be used in gardens.
Leaves - Simple, alternate, hairy and light green on both sides, being more hairy underneath. Edges are irregularly toothed; stalk is short and velvety. Leaf tips are pointed. (30 x 70 mm)
Flowers - Yellow, star-like flowers are borne in the base of the leaves, October to December. (20 mm)
Fruit - The berry-like fruit is hard and is normally two-lobed, but can be one to four-lobed, slightly grooved and covered by whitish hair. It ripens to a yellow-brown from March to July. (Each lobe 8 - 14 mm)
Stems - Square and fluted, especially the mature branches which have four distinct angles.
Best places to see the Sandpaper Raisin in Southern Africa:
The Sandpaper Raisin is found in the Kruger National Park in the Sabie Crocodile Thorn Thickets, Lebombo Mountain Bushveld & Mopane / Bushwillow Woodlands ecozones.
 Tree species of Southern Africa >> Printable Tree List <<
South African Trees >> Printable Tree List <<
The Plant Kingdom (Plantae)
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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