Tabernaemontana elegans
The Toad Tree gets its name from its characteristic warty green fruit’s superficial resemblance to the amphibian. They’re usually found in the form of a shrub or small tree up to 5m tall, growing along riverbanks in the Lowveld or the coastal forests of Kwazulu-Natal. Toad Trees flower in our summer months. The ripe fruit, often still on the plant, split open to reveal the pulp inside, which is eaten by a range of animals and birds, including people and black rhinos. Most browsing animals will also feed on the leaves. Other parts of the plant is sometimes used in traditional medicine though some of these have been found to be toxic.
Toad Tree pods
Toad Tree pods
Toad Tree blossoms
Opened Toad Tree pods
Toad Tree leaves
DeWetsWild 
One of my favourite trees! Makes me think of the young tree in our former KZN garden …
It really is an interesting and good-looking plant, Carol! I can imagine that it must’ve flourished in your garden in KZN.
Thank you. Have you ever eaten the fruit? I’d love to know what it tastes like. I know it’s possible to eat everything once. As to whether one gets to try something twice depends on how edible it really is. I have watched the monkeys eating the fruit and have often been tempted to try some myself. I’d love to know if it tastes as good as it looks Regards Dawn
Steppingstones4Nature
I very seldom have the guts to taste anything out in the bush, Dawn. Even when I am sure it isn’t poisonous I still worry what else might have had its paws or tongue on that piece I want to sample…
Wonderful photographs! Thank you for highlighting this tree!
I wish I’d notice more of them in the veld, Anne, but there’s quite a few in Lower Sabie in Kruger next time you’re there.
Het gou eers ekstra opgelees oor die boom en sommer ekstra inligting oor Limpopo ook raak geloop waarvan ek niks geweet het nie.
Is dit nie lekker as mens eers nusskierig raak en sommer n klomp nuwe goed leer nie!?
Ja, en dit hou mens jonk ook.