About Bridelia retusa (L.) A.Juss.
Bridelia retusa has pale grey bark, and young individuals are often spiny to deter browsing animals. As it matures, its bark becomes dark brown, fissured, and develops lifting scales. Its leaves are roughly 15 cm long, with tips that are either blunt or pointed, and bases that are rounded or heart-shaped. The leaf undersides are hairy and paler than the upper surfaces. Small green flowers of this species grow in clusters on leafless twigs. It has very small white petals and larger sepals. Its fruit is green when unripe, and ripens to a purplish-black color, containing two stones inside. For ecological uses, the fruit is eaten by bird species including hornbills, and the flowers strongly attract butterflies. Its leaves are also used as fodder for livestock.
