Ehretia alba
Ehretia alba Retief & A.E.van Wyk
Ehretia alba is a semi-deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching up to 4 meters in height. It is native to Namibia, Botswana, and the drier western parts of South Africa. The species was first collected in the Gobabis district of Namibia. It belongs to the family Ehretiaceae and is characterized by its twiggy, rigid branches and fascicled leaves that vary in size. The leaves have acute or obtuse tips and are covered with appressed setae along the margins. The midribs and secondary veins are prominent on the underside, and the petioles are short, about 3 mm in length. The fragrant flowers are white to cream in color, with unopened buds appearing mauve. The mature fruit is red and retains a persistent calyx.
Description
Ehretia alba is a member of the genus Ehretia and is found in the regions of Botswana, the Cape Provinces, the Free State, Namibia, and the Northern Provinces. It is a small, semi-deciduous tree or shrub with rigid, twiggy branches. The leaves are clustered on abbreviated twigs and show considerable variation in size, with acute or obtuse apices. They are adorned with appressed setae along the margins, and the midribs and secondary veins are clearly visible on the lower surface. The petioles are short, measuring about 3 mm. The flowers are fragrant, with a white to cream coloration, and the buds are initially mauve. The fruit, when mature, is red and retains the calyx. This species was first collected in the Gobabis district of Namibia.
Distribution
Botswana · Cape Provinces · Free State · Namibia · Northern Provinces
