Sideroxylon inerme
Sideroxylon inerme, commonly known as the White Milkwood, is a species of tree in the family Sapotaceae. It is native to the coastal regions of Southern Africa, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. The tree is known for its hard, durable wood and its historical significance in various cultures.
Description[edit | edit source]
Sideroxylon inerme is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. The bark is dark brown to black and deeply fissured. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong, with a glossy green appearance. The tree produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that are fragrant and attract various pollinators. The fruit is a berry, which turns black when ripe and is consumed by birds and other wildlife.
Habitat[edit | edit source]
The White Milkwood typically grows in coastal forests, dunes, and rocky outcrops. It is well-adapted to sandy soils and can tolerate salt spray, making it a common feature in coastal ecosystems. The tree is also found in riverine forests and occasionally in inland areas.
Ecological Importance[edit | edit source]
Sideroxylon inerme plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. The flowers provide nectar for insects, while the fruits are an important food source for birds. The tree also offers shelter and nesting sites for various animal species. Its dense foliage provides shade and helps in stabilizing the soil, preventing erosion.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
The White Milkwood holds cultural importance in several African communities. In South Africa, it is protected under the National Forests Act, and it is illegal to cut down or damage these trees without a permit. The wood has been traditionally used for making tools, weapons, and furniture due to its hardness and durability.
Conservation Status[edit | edit source]
Sideroxylon inerme is not currently listed as threatened, but its habitat is under pressure from urban development, agriculture, and invasive species. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting its natural habitat and promoting the planting of this species in reforestation projects.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
