Kudu berry

Kudu-berry (Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia): This deciduous tree grows to between 4 and 6m high in dry woodland areas in northern Namibian areas near Epupa Falls, south of the Kunene River, Kavango River and in the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip). Features include dark green leaves, dark grey bark and small, greenish-white flowers that bloom from July to November. The fruit of this plant is encased in a round capsule which turns yellow when ripe. The larvae of the Paradise Skipper feed on the leaves of the Kudu-berry tree.

There are 2 varieties of this plant in the country. The leaves and young twigs of var. giabra are hairless or nearly so, and the leaves and young twigs of var. dekindtii are 'distinctly hairy'. These differences affect their uses. For instance the fruit of var. dekindtii is eaten by some game and bird species. A selection of var. giabra are used to treat an assortment of illnesses including inhaling smouldering roots to relieve colds. The fruit can be fermented to make an alcoholic drink.