Description: I.mitis is a medium to large evergreen tree that occurs in the forest and bushveld. It has elliptic to elliptic-lanceolate leaves that are dark green above and pale to whtish green below, sweet scented small white flowers in axillary clustered, and glossy berry fruit that ripen to pink to dark crimson.

Uses: 

• The bark is used as a bathing agent for people to admire you and to become famous.
• The pounded bark and leaves are used to produce a soap-like lather to wash the body to treat flu.
• The bark paste is applied as a paste to rashes and sores on the face.
• The bark infusion is taken as emetic for fevers.
• The pounded bark is used is used wash influenza patients.
• The bark decoction is used in taken as an emetic.
• The bark decoction is used as enema to treat colic in children.
• The plant is used in protective rituals to protect from sorcery.

References and further reading:

• Grace, O.M., Prendrgast, H.D.V., Jager, A.K. and Van Staden, J. 2003. Bark medicines used in traditional healthcare in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: an inventory. South Africa Journal of Botany 69: pp. 301-363.
• Lwalewa, E.O., McGaw, L.J., Naidoo, V. and Eloff, J.N. 2007. Inflammation: the foundation of diseases and disorders. A review of phytomedicines of South African origin used to treat pain and inflammatory conditons. African Journal of Biotechnology 25, 6: pp.2868-2885.
• Mabona, U. and Van Vuuren, S.F. 2013. Southern African medicinal plants used to treat skin diseases. South African Journal of Botany 87: pp. 175-193.
• Van Wyk, B. and Van Wyk, P. 1997. Field guide to trees of Southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town.