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