Wild Plum Tree (Harpephyllum caffrum): The Hardy Indigenous Shade Tree with Edible Fruit

The Wild Plum is one of South Africa’s most versatile indigenous trees; tough and attractive. For Western Cape homeowners, it offers the rare combination of fast shade, ornamental value, and edible fruit. But like all strong growers, it comes with caveats. Planted correctly, it’s a long-term asset. Planted poorly, it can cause headaches. Here’s what you need to know about the Wild Plum (Harpephyllum caffrum).

What is the Wild Plum?

The Wild Plum (Harpephyllum caffrum) is an evergreen tree indigenous to Southern Africa. Despite the name, it is not related to true plums, but its red, oval fruits are edible and enjoyed by people and wildlife alike.

It grows quickly, reaching 10–15 metres in good conditions. Its dense, rounded canopy provides year-round shade, while its glossy, dark green, pinnate leaves add a lush, tropical feel to gardens.

In the wild, Wild Plums grow along forest margins and riverbanks. In gardens, they are best suited to large spaces where they can expand without interfering with structures.

Benefits of the Wild Plum

The Wild Plum is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a robust indigenous tree with practical benefits.

Shade and Screening: The dense canopy creates deep, cool shade and doubles as an excellent privacy screen.

Wildlife Attraction: Its fruits feed birds, fruit bats, and mammals, while its flowers attract pollinators.

Edible Fruit: The tart, plum-like fruit can be eaten fresh or used in jams and preserves.

Drought and Wind Tolerance: Once established, it is hardy and resilient in Western Cape conditions.

Evergreen Structure: Unlike deciduous species, it maintains foliage year-round.

Benefit	Why It Matters
Shade	Dense, reliable cover for gardens and patios
Wildlife	Supports birds, bats, insects, mammals
Fruit	Edible, multipurpose fruit crop
Evergreen	Year-round structure and screening
Toughness	Handles drought, wind, and varied soils

Limitations and Considerations

Like all powerful growers, the Wild Plum demands space and planning.

• Size: At 10–15 metres, it is too large for small gardens.

• Roots: Aggressive root system; keep away from walls, pipes, paving, and pools.

• Mess: Dropped fruit can stain paving and create a sticky mess if planted too close to driveways or patios.

• Maintenance: Dense growth can block light or overwhelm smaller spaces if not managed.

  
  

This is a tree that rewards foresight. If you have the space, it thrives. If you don’t, it dominates.

Planting and Site Planning

Best Sites:

• Large residential gardens.

• Farms and lifestyle estates.

• Properties needing shade or screening.

  
  

Soil: Adaptable to most soils, provided they drain well. 

Spacing: Allow 5–6 metres from walls, pipes, and paving. 

Sunlight: Full sun preferred; tolerates light shade. 

Best Season: Plant in autumn or early winter for strong root establishment.

Pro tip: Plant it where fruit drop won’t be a nuisance. Avoid hardscape areas and driveways.

Pruning and Maintenance

The Wild Plum is low-maintenance but benefits from occasional pruning.

• Formative pruning (early years): Train a strong central trunk, remove competing leaders.

• Canopy thinning (every few years): Allows light penetration and reduces wind resistance.

• Fruit management: Expect seasonal fruit drop; clean up to avoid staining or attracting pests.

  
  

Unlike pioneers, Wild Plums are long-lived, meaning early pruning decisions will shape the tree for decades.

Fire, Wind, and Environmental Performance

Wind Resistance: Strong wood and dense canopy make it reliable in exposed areas. 

Drought Tolerance: Once established, it handles dry spells with ease. 

Fire Risk: Like most broadleaf evergreens, it can burn, but dense green foliage retains moisture better than flammable pioneers. 

Soil Stabilisation: Deep root system anchors soil; useful on slopes and erosion-prone ground.

Wild Plum FAQs

Is the fruit safe to eat? Yes, though tart. Many people use it for preserves, jellies, or fermenting rather than eating raw.

How long does it live? Decades, often over 50 years with minimal issues.

Can it be grown in small gardens? No. Its size and root system make it suitable only for larger plots.

Is it invasive? No, it is indigenous and beneficial to the local ecosystem.

Does it need irrigation? Minimal after establishment, occasional deep watering in prolonged drought.

Wild Plum vs. Other Indigenous Shade Trees

How does it compare with other popular trees in Western Cape gardens?

Tree	Growth Rate	Lifespan	Best Use
Wild Plum (Harpephyllum caffrum)	Fast	50+ yrs	Shade, screening, fruit, biodiversity
Keurboom (Virgilia oroboides)	Very fast	15–20 yrs	Quick shade, pioneer, soil fixer
White Milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme)	Slow	Centuries	Heritage tree, long-term anchor, coastal resilience
Karee (Searsia lancea)	Fast	Long-lived	Windbreaks, erosion control, drought resilience

The takeaway: Wild Plum is a strong, practical all-rounder if you have the space. It sits between pioneers like the Keurboom and heritage giants like the Milkwood.

Final Word

The Wild Plum is not a tree for small gardens or instant gratification. It’s a robust, long-term choice for homeowners who want shade, wildlife, and fruit, and who have the space to let it grow freely. Treated well, it will provide decades of value, structure, and biodiversity support.

At Overberg Arborists, we often recommend Wild Plums for clients with larger plots who want a hard-working indigenous tree that doubles as a fruit-bearer. But we also guide homeowners to plant them in the right place, because with a tree this powerful, planning is everything.

Considering a Wild Plum for Your Property?

We’ll help you decide if it’s the right fit for your space and design a planting plan that balances beauty, safety, and sustainability.

Talk to an Arborist