The jackalberry tree, scientifically known as Diospyros mespiliformis, is a prominent and long-lived tree native to sub-Saharan Africa. This large, evergreen species is commonly found across a wide range, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, extending south into regions like Swaziland and Namibia. Often referred to as African ebony, it is characterized by its dense, spreading canopy and dark, deeply fissured bark. The tree thrives in various habitats, frequently growing on termite mounds and along riverbeds, preferring moist, well-drained soils.
Animals Attracted to the Fruit
The jackalberry fruit serves as a significant food source for a diverse array of wildlife, particularly during the dry season when other food sources may be scarce. The fleshy, oval-shaped berries, measuring approximately 20-30 mm in diameter, transform from yellow-green to orange, and eventually a dark purple when fully ripe. This ripening occurs primarily during the dry months, thereby providing essential sustenance.
Numerous mammals consume the fruit, including large herbivores like elephants, rhinos, and warthogs, as well as various antelope species such as kudu, impala, nyala, and bushbucks. Primates like baboons and monkeys, including vervet monkeys, also readily feed on the ripe berries. Smaller carnivores, such as civets and jackals, are known to eat the fruit, with the tree deriving its common name from the frequent discovery of its seeds in jackal scat.
Birds also play a substantial role in consuming and dispersing jackalberry seeds. Species like African Green-pigeons, brown-headed parrots, grey hornbills, purple-crested turacos (louries), and starlings are commonly observed feeding on the fruit directly from the branches. Many animals, including various birds and monkeys, dislodge fruits from the tree, causing them to fall to the ground where other animals then consume them.
Browsers of Leaves and Bark
Beyond its fruit, the jackalberry tree provides sustenance through its leaves and, to a lesser extent, its bark. The dense, dark green, elliptical leaves are a food source for several browsing animals. Large herbivores like elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and rhinos regularly browse on the foliage. Antelope species such as kudu and eland also feed on the leaves.
Insects contribute to leaf consumption as well, with the larvae of the bushveld emperor butterfly (Charaxes achaemenes) known to feed on jackalberry leaves. Animals may consume bark, particularly the inner cambium layer, to access carbohydrates, sugars, and minerals, especially when other food sources are scarce.
The Jackalberry as a Food Source
The jackalberry tree holds an important position in its ecosystem, providing a reliable food source for a wide range of animal species. Its extensive contribution to wildlife diets, particularly the availability of fruit during the dry season, underscores its role in supporting biodiversity. By offering varied food options throughout the year, the jackalberry tree helps sustain animal populations and reinforces its important place in the intricate food web of its African savanna and woodland environments.