Pappea capensis Seeds - Indigenous Fruit Tree, Jacket Plum, Bushveld Cherry - New

The genus name Pappea is named after a German physician and plant collector Carl Pappe. The genus Pappea is placed in the Sapindaceae family of which the popular litchi fruit tree is also a member. The family is represented is South Africa most notably by the false currants (Allophylus spp.), the well-known and widely cultivated sand olive (Dodonaea viscosa) and the bushveld red-balloon (Erythrophysa transvaalensis). Pappea capensis is a long-lived, hardy, evergreen, and small to medium tree with a height of 2-8 m and a natural addition for the bird or wildlife garden. English common names include jacket plum, Indaba tree and bushveld cherry. In Afrikaans it is well known as doppruim. The red fruit of this tree is a tasty treat for humans and a firm favourite with birds and animals.

High quality bio oil is extracted from the seeds after which nutritional seed cakes are made for cattle-feed. The tasty and very juicy fruit with a tart flavour is used to make preserve, jelly, vinegar and an alcoholic drink. Fragrant non-drying golden yellow oil is extracted from the roasted seeds. There are reports of it being used for oiling rifles. As a medicinal it is also used as a purgative and for lubrication, as a cure for ringworm, to restore hair, as well as for making soap. Leaves, bark and the oil extracted from the seed are used medicinally against baldness, ringworm, nosebleeds, chest complaints, eye infections, and venereal disease. Bark is also used in protective charms that are sprinkled on the ground. Some research has reported that the leaves are very effective in killing snails. Infusions of the bark are also used by Kenyan Masai warriors to gain courage as well as an aphrodisiac and a blood-strengthening tonic. The root is used orally or as an enema and as a purgative for cattle. Lobengula's Indaba tree, which stands in the state house in Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, is an ancient specimen of Pappea capensis.