Family: Sapotaceae

Scientific name: Englerophytum magalismontanum

Authority: (Sond.) T.D.Penn.

Synonyms: Bequaertiodendron magalismontanum (Sond.) Heine & J.H.Hemsl., Chrysophyllum magalismontanum Sond., Pachystela magalismontana (Sond.) Lecomte, Pouteria magalismontana (Sond.) A.Meeuse, Zeyherella magalismontana (Sond.) Aubrév. & Pellegr.

Zulu names: amanumbela, umnumbela, umnungumabele

Other names: stem-fruit, Transvaal milkplum (English) stamvrug (Afrikaans)

Plant description: E. magalismontanum is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that grows to about 3 to 10 m in height. It has oblanceolate glossy dark green leaves with entire margins and a prominent midrib, small pungent brown with a touch of pink flowers, and edible berry fruits with a sticky milky latex. The tree grows in the riverine forest in Southern Africa.

Uses:

The edible fruits are used to make alcoholic beverages such as the mampoer, a home-distilled brandy in the Afrikaans community. The fruits are also used to make jam and jelly.
The fruits and roots are used to make an infusion that is used to treat epilepsy.
The root and bark is used to treat abdominal pains and infertility.
The bark is used to treat inflammation, such as rheumatism.
The plant is used to treat asthma, bronchial problems, coughs, chronic coughs, colds, fever, and pleurisy.
The plant is used to treat diabetes mellitus.
The plant is used to treat skin disorders.
The plant is used as tooth sticks / chewing sticks, known as muthala, to improve hygiene and to prevent dental caries.

Safety precaution:

Using traditional medicine responsibly can enhance your overall health and well-being. Misuse and abuse can lead to complications. You can inquire about the correct use of traditional medicine from a knowledgeable herbalist and practitioner. You can also visit imithiyesintu.co.za or email: info@imithiyesintu.co.za to learn more about traditional medicine

References and further reading:

Adebayo, S.A. and Amoo, S.O., 2019. South African botanical resources: a gold mine of natural pro-inflammatory enzyme inhibitors?. South African Journal of Botany, 123, pp.214-227.
Coates-Palgrave, K., 2002. Trees of Southern Africa, 3 ed. Struik, Cape Town.
Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G. and Cunningham, A.B., 1996. Zulu Medicinal Plants: An Inventory; University of Natal Press: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
Olaokun, O.O., Manonga, S.A., Zubair, M.S., Maulana, S. and Mkolo, N.M., 2022. Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Studies of Antidiabetic Phenolic Compound Isolated from Leaf Extract of Englerophytum magalismontanum (Sond.) TD Penn. Molecules, 27(10), pp.3175.
Van der Merwe, D., Swan, G.E. and Botha, C.J., 2001. Use of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants in cattle by Setswana-speaking people in the Madikwe area of the North West Province of South Africa. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 72(4), pp.189-196.
Van Wyk, B.E., Oudtshoorn, B.V. and Gericke, N., 1997. Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Briza Publications: Pretoria, South Africa.
Watt, J. M. and Breyer-Brandwijk, M. G. 1932. The medicinal and poisonous plants of southern Africa, 1st edn. Livingstone, London.