Description: P. longilfolia is a medium-sized to large tree that occurs in coastal and montane forests. It has leathery linear oblong leaves that are glossy dark green above and paler green below, a milky latex, small white flowers in terminal panicles, and drupe fruits that turn purple-mauve when ripe.

Uses:

• The milky latex is used as a depilatory.
• The latex is used for hair removal.

• The leaves are eaten as famine food.

• The bark is used to make a decoction that is taken as a blood purifier.
• The powdered bark is used to strengthen the heart.
• The bark is used in witchcraft to cause heart-related conditions.
• The bark decoction is used to relieve heartburn and bleeding in the stomach.

• The wood is used for making furniture.
• The gum from the bark is used to attach and join the assegai blade and the handle.

References and further reading:

• Coates Palgrave, K. 2002. Trees of Southern Africa (3rd edn). Struik, Cape Town, South Africa. ISBN 0–86872–389–5.
• Cunningham, A.B. 1988. An investigation of the herbal medicine trade in Natal/KwaZulu. Investigational Report Number 29. Institute of Natural Resources, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
• Gerstner, J. 1941. A preliminary checklist of Zulu names of plants with short notes. Bantu Studies 15.
• Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G. and Cunningham, A. 1996. Zulu Medicinal Plants: An Inventory. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. ISBN 0–86980–893–1.
• Pujol, J. 1990. NaturAfrica The Herbalist Handbook: African Flora, Medicinal Plants. Natural Healers Foundation, Durban, South Africa.
• Van Wyk, B. and Van Wyk, P. Field guide to trees of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers.