Jackalsbessie – Diospyros mespiliformis
- Edible fruit – stored as preserve or to make beer
- Fearing possession by evil spirits, Northern Transvaal tribes will not eat the fruit when alone
- The seeds are often found in jackal dung – 40% of jackal diet- also eaten by monkeys, baboons and fruit eating birds
- Preparations are made to treat everything from coughs to dysentery to leprosy. There are definite pharmaceutical properties, as shown in lab tests
- Favours silty soils near water courses and termite mounds
- Also known as African ebony as is valued for carving
