Jackalberry
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| Diospyros mespiliformis ? |
The jackalberry, Diospyros mespiliformis (also jackal berry, jakkalbessie, and African ebony) is a large deciduous tree found mostly in the savannas of Africa. The name jackalberry also refers to the fruit of the tree; it comes from the fact that seeds from the tree are often found in the dung of jackals.
Mature trees have dark gray bark with rough horizontal grooves. An adult tree reaches an average of 15 to 18 feet in height, although some trees have been know to be 80 feet tall. The foliage is dense and dark green in color with elliptically-shaped leaves, which are often eaten by grazing animals such as elephants and buffalo. The tree flowers in the rainy season; the flowers are imperfect, with genders on separate trees, and are cream-colored. The tree bears fruit in the dry season and is eaten by many wild animals. It is oval-shaped, yellow and about one inch in diameter. When the fruit ripens it turns purple.
Jackalberry trees often grow on termite mounds. The tree lives in mutualism with termites, which aerate the soil for the tree but do not eat the living wood; in turn, the tree provides protection for the termites.
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[edit] Uses
[edit] Fruit
The fruit is edible for humans; its flavor has been described as lemon-like, with a chalky consistency. They are sometimes preserved, can be dried and ground into a flour, and are often used for brewing beer and brandy.
[edit] Medicinal
The leaves, bark and roots of the tree contain tannin, which can be used as an astringent to stop bleeding. The roots are often used consumed to get rid of parasites and is thought to be a remedy for leprosy.
[edit] Wood
The wood of the jackalberry is almost completely impervious to termite damage. The heart wood is fine-grained and strong, and is often used for making wood floors and furniture. Trunks of the tree are used for canoes. The wood ranges in color from light reddish-brown to a very dark brown.
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