Family: Rhamnaceae
Phyllogeiton zeyheri (syn. Berchemia zeyheri), commonly called pink ivory, red ivory, purple ivory, umnini or umgoloti, is a small to medium-sized tree native to southern Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and neighboring countries). It usually forms a compact canopy with glossy, alternate leaves, small inconspicuous flowers, and round dark fruits (drupes) that are eaten and spread by birds. The species is slow-growing and long-lived; mature trees develop a very dense, finely textured wood with a distinctive pink to reddish heartwood that has long been prized for turning, carving, furniture, walking sticks and small specialty items. Because of its attractive foliage and valuable timber, it is sometimes planted as an ornamental or specimen tree in warm climates.
In its native range the main concerns for P. zeyheri are overharvesting of the heartwood and loss of habitat from land-use change; it is not widely recorded as an aggressive invader outside Africa. The fruits are bird-dispersed, so any introduced trees produce a pathway to naturalization, but there is little evidence of widespread weediness in most places where it has been planted. If you’re considering cultivation, be aware that planted specimens could provide a seed source for local birds; in sensitive or native-dominated habitats this fruiting could — in theory — increase the chance of escape. For conservation-minded planting, use P. zeyheri sparingly, avoid planting near natural areas, and check local records or biosecurity guidance for any recent reports of naturalization.
High Risk Traits:
- Native to tropical/subtropical regions
- Intentionally dispersed by people
- Bird-dispersed fruits
- Seeds survive gut passage
Low Risk Traits:
- Not naturalized beyond native range
- No weed history
- No spines, toxins, or allelopathy
- Not parasitic or a fire hazard
- Not a climber or thicket-former
- Limited seed production
- No vegetative reproduction
- Not a contaminant
