Non-toxic Dichapetalum cymosum look-alike plants

Abstract

Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri: (Goorappel) Distribution: To be found in warm, sub-tropical, usually dry areas. In acid, sandy soil and on stony hills – not in marshy areas or clay soils. Usually part of a typical plant community which includes: Burkea africana, Terminalia sericea and Ochna pulchra. Botanical description: General: Dwarf shrublet + 20 cm high with an underground woody rootstock branching profusely in all directions. Leaves: Bright green leaves erect, opposite or rarely in whorls of three. Base tapering gradually and merging into the petiole. Tip slightly twisted. Veins distinct. Stipules narrow, placed between the petioles. Flowers: Small, greenish, in clusters just above the ground. Spring - early summer. Fruit: Asymmetrical, yellow and fleshy when ripe.

Parinari capensis: (Grysappel) Distribution: To be found in warm, sub-tropical, usually dry areas. In acid, sandy soil and on stony hills – not in marshy areas or clay soils. Usually part of a typical plant community which includes: Burkeana africa, Terminalia sericea and Ochna pulchra. Botanical description: General: Dwarf shrub with thick, woody subterranean rhizomes and thin upright aerial branches less than 30 cm high, appearing seasonally. The shallow underground rhizomes branch and radiate outwards, so that one plant may occupy a surface area of up to 3 m in diameter. Leaves: Alternate deciduous leaves, dark green above and silvery white below. Veins prominent on the underside. Small and narrow stipules leave minute scars on old stems. Stems usually with only two to five leaves. Flowers:Cream-coloured, hairy, borne in short,dense, branched inflorescences.Spring. Fruit: Succulent, egg-shaped, speckled grey. Edible.