Harpephyllum caffrum – Wild Plum

Description

Harpephyllum caffrum – Wild Plum

Family: Anacardiaceae
Packet Size: 8 seeds

Description

Harpephyllum caffrum, widely known as Wild Plum, is an evergreen tree native to southern Africa. It produces glossy pinnate foliage, small inconspicuous flowers and decorative fleshy fruits that mature to reddish plum-like shades.

A handsome shade or specimen tree in warm conditions, Wild Plum is particularly attractive for its lush canopy and coloured fruit. Mature trees can become substantial and need room to spread.

Key Features

• Foliage: Glossy green, compound leaves grouped toward branch tips.
• Fruit: Decorative oval fleshy fruits, colouring from green to red.
• Habit: Dense, rounded evergreen shade tree.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with reliable moisture during establishment.
• Climate: Mild subtropical to warm temperate areas; protect young plants from significant frost.
• Care: Mulch and water newly planted trees, and choose a generous planting area.

Propagation from Seed

1. Prepare: Sow the cleaned seed promptly where possible. If it has dried in storage, soak in room-temperature water for about 24 hours before sowing.
2. Sow: Sow promptly and shallowly in clean, free-draining sand-based or standard propagation mix; do not bury deeply.
3. Germinate: Keep warm with light, even moisture. Fresh viable seed can germinate promptly, though storage history affects results.
4. Pot on: Shift seedlings to individual containers while young, handling roots gently.

Growing Note

This species is a non-native tree in Australia. Choose a suitable site with room for the mature crown.

Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.