Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum)

Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) red and green fruit cluster, close up on tree branch.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) cluster of oval-shaped fruit hanging from a branch with green leaves.

Botanical name: Harpephyllum caffrum

Common name: Wild Plum

Family: Anacardiaceae

Origin: South Africa

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Plant type: Fruit or edible
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Small tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Harpephyllum caffrum or Wild plum is a small tree, growing to a height of 10-20 feet and does best when planted in full sun in well drained soil and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It has moderate water requirements, and should be watered regularly during the hottest part of the growing season, but not over-watered. The tree benefits from an occasional pruning to keep it in shape and keep it from becoming too dense in the lower parts. If grown in a pot in cold regions, it needs to be brought indoors during the winter, avoiding drafty locations and bright sunlight.

The Wild plum has edible fruits which are packed with nutrients and offer many healthy benefits, such as high levels of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A single wild plum tree is capable of producing up to 50 lbs of fruits in a single season, with each fruit having a diameter of 1 inch. These fruits are used for making jams and jellies. With their sour taste, they are also good to make rose wine. The bark is a popular traditional medicine treating acne and eczema. The health benefits of the wild plum fruits include improved digestion and helping to reduce cholesterol levels.


Image gallery: 16 images
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) with red and green fruit in a close up.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) with clusters of round fruit changing from green to deep red.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) unripe green fruit clusters hanging from thick woody plant stems
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) unripe green fruit hanging in clusters from dense woody stems
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) dense green leaves on tree against clear blue sky background
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) shows dense green foliage reaching towards a clear blue summer sky
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) tree with green leaves reaching toward the clear blue sky.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) tree branches covered in dense green foliage under clear sky.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) brown fruit close up next to ruler for size reference
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) fruit on a white surface with a wooden measuring ruler above
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) brown fruit close up lying on a white textured paper surface.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) brown fruit lying on a white textured paper surface for scale.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) plant with light green leaves and thin reddish stems close up.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) plant with light green leaves and thin reddish stems up close.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) green leaves on branch close up for botanical plant study
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) branches with compound green leaves spreading out from the central stem.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) green plant with glossy narrow leaves and central wooden support stake
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) grows as a tall plant with dense green foliage in plastic pots.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) plant with dark green glossy leaves on a wooden stake
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) with compound green leaves attached to a sturdy bamboo support stake
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) plant with dark green glossy leaves on woody branches
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) showing dense clusters of slender dark green leaves on woody stems.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) red and green fruit cluster on a leafy tree branch.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) with ripening red and green fruit hanging among the long leaves.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) red and green fruit cluster on a woody branch close up
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) hanging in dense clusters of maturing red and green oval fruit
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) red and green fruit close up on a tree branch.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) clusters of oval red and green fruit hang from a sturdy branch.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) green fruit cluster with orange foliage close up
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) hanging clusters of green oval fruit beside orange-tinted leaves.
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) with many green oval fruit hanging from branches during day
Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) hanging with clusters of green oval fruit among long thin leaves


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/harpephyllum_caffrum.htm
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