About Kiggelaria africana L.
Common Names and Classification
Kiggelaria africana, commonly called wild peach or umKokoko, is a large, robust, low-branching tree native to Africa. It is currently the only accepted species in the genus Kiggelaria.
Relationship to True Peaches
Despite sharing the common name "wild peach", this species is not related to the well-known fruit-producing peach tree Prunus persica. The leaves of Kiggelaria africana only look very superficially similar to peach leaves.
Leaf Characteristics
Compared to peach leaves, Kiggelaria africana leaves are fairly thick and stiff, with a thin layer of fur on their undersides.
Geographic Range
This tree grows throughout southern and eastern Africa, ranging from Cape Town in the south as far north as Kenya.
Habitat
It grows naturally in Afromontane forests, coastal areas, bushveld, and along riverbanks.
