About Phyllogeiton discolor (Klotzsch) Herzog
Phyllogeiton discolor (Klotzsch) Herzog, with the synonym Berchemia discolor, is commonly called bird plum or brown ivory in English. This broadleaf tree is native to southern and eastern Africa, including Madagascar, and grows up to 18 meters (60 feet) tall. Its fruits resemble dates, are edible, and have sweet flesh surrounding 1 to 2 flat seeds. These fruits are occasionally sold in local markets; they can be eaten fresh, or dried and pounded to add sweet flavor to pearl millet pap. Monkeys, baboons, and birds also feed on the fruits. In its ecological context, the leaves of Phyllogeiton discolor are eaten by elephants, giraffes, multiple antelope species, and livestock. This browsing pressure leads many trees to develop a distinct browse line. The tree's wood is hard and attractive, making it suitable for furniture, charcoal, building material, beehives, crafts, tool handles, and pestles. Additional uses of Phyllogeiton discolor include use as a dye, fodder, and ornamental tree. It is also used as herbal medicine to treat a range of diseases and ailments in both humans and animals; for example, the Himba people cook the bark to treat nausea and diarrhoea.
