White milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme, Sp. Pl.: 192 (1753))

Family: Sapotaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 192 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sideroxylon

Vegetable: False

Observations: Somalia to S. Africa, Mayotte, Aldabra, Juan de Nova I.

Description

The White Milkwood, scientifically known as Sideroxylon inerme, is a remarkable plant species first described in 1753. This hardy tree is a member of the Sapotaceae family, which is noted for its milky sap and often edible fruits. The White Milkwood flourishes across a broad range extending from Somalia down to South Africa. It also finds suitable habitats in various island locales such as Mayotte, Aldabra, and Juan de Nova Island.

This tree is typically found in coastal forests and thickets, where it plays a critical ecological role. In these environments, the White Milkwood serves both as a provider of shade and as a protective barrier against coastal erosion. Its robust growth and resilience to salty sea breezes make it an invaluable stabilizer for coastal soils.

The White Milkwood possesses a number of distinctive features. Its leaves are smooth, leathery, and a deep green hue, often showcasing a slightly glossy surface. During flowering, the tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers which are typically white to pale yellow. These blooms later give way to small, fruit that can vary in color from red to purple when ripe. These fruits provide a crucial food source for a variety of bird species and other wildlife.

In addition to its ecological benefits, the White Milkwood is also noted for its traditional uses. Various parts of the tree have been employed in local medicinal practices. The wood of the tree is dense and durable, making it suitable for tool making and other utilitarian purposes.

Conservation efforts highlight the importance of preserving Sideroxylon inerme, not only for its environmental benefits but also for its role in regional biodiversity. As coastal development and habitat destruction pose ongoing threats, initiatives to protect and propagate this species are critical.

In summary, the White Milkwood is a versatile and essential species within its native range. Its ability to thrive in challenging coastal conditions as well as its numerous ecological and practical benefits underscore the importance of conserving this venerable tree.

Common Names

En: White milkwood
Af: Wit melkhout, Witmelkhout
Ca: Arbre de ferro

Synonyms

• Calvaria inermis ((L.) Dubard)

Distribution

• Aldabra (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Mozambique Channel I (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by anastasiia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by Stephanie Hoarau Hoarau (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by Stephanie Hoarau Hoarau (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Iain Douglas-Hamilton (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2887200)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:789686-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sideroxylon inerme L.)

Specifications

Growth