Nyala Tree – Xanthoceris zambesiaca
Natural History
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Other Names: Nyala Berry, Muchetuchetu (Shona), Musharo (Shona)
Distinctive Characteristics: The Nyala is a common leguminous evergreen tree of the bushveld in Southern Africa. It is recognizable by a characteristically large-grooved, gnarly single or multiple trunks and large, dense canopy. The ripe berry-like fruits are yellow-brown.
Distribution: Native to northeastern South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique.
Ecosystem: Lives solitary in the dry woodlands near floodplains and riparian zones with Fever Trees, Natal Mahogany, understory shrubs, and grassland. Elevation: sea level to 5,000 ft. (1,524 m).
Maximum Age: Estimated at 600 years.
Maximum Height and Girth: 98 ft. (30 m) in height; 31 ft. (9.4 m) in circumference.
Animal Community: Nyala Trees are often found in conjunction with giant termite mounds, which do not damage the trees. The tree is popular with many animals who seek its shade and fruit, including the nyala antelope, impala, kudu, elephants, giraffes, baboons, mongoose, dassies, vervet monkeys and birds. Insects are attracted to the sweet-smelling blossoms.
Traditional Uses:
Food: The fruit may be eaten fresh, or dry, grounded into a pulp for porridge.
Threats and Conservation: Not threatened.
Distinctive Characteristics: The Nyala is a common leguminous evergreen tree of the bushveld in Southern Africa. It is recognizable by a characteristically large-grooved, gnarly single or multiple trunks and large, dense canopy. The ripe berry-like fruits are yellow-brown.
Distribution: Native to northeastern South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique.
Ecosystem: Lives solitary in the dry woodlands near floodplains and riparian zones with Fever Trees, Natal Mahogany, understory shrubs, and grassland. Elevation: sea level to 5,000 ft. (1,524 m).
Maximum Age: Estimated at 600 years.
Maximum Height and Girth: 98 ft. (30 m) in height; 31 ft. (9.4 m) in circumference.
Animal Community: Nyala Trees are often found in conjunction with giant termite mounds, which do not damage the trees. The tree is popular with many animals who seek its shade and fruit, including the nyala antelope, impala, kudu, elephants, giraffes, baboons, mongoose, dassies, vervet monkeys and birds. Insects are attracted to the sweet-smelling blossoms.
Traditional Uses:
Food: The fruit may be eaten fresh, or dry, grounded into a pulp for porridge.
Threats and Conservation: Not threatened.
