Heteropyxis natalensis Harvey

Heteropyxis natalensis is a hardy semi-deciduous tree that lacks thorns and is located along the eastern coastline and central regions of South Africa. Characteristics of the tree are that it has a mottled and flaking bark and can grow up to 15 m. The leaves of the tree are waxy and shiny with a pale green colour and a strong lavender fragrance when crushed. The ethnobotanical usage of the tree includes pain relief, anti-infection and blood purification. The essential oil produced from the leaves of H. natalensis has been studied extensively, and it has yielded compounds such as linalool and myrcene. Extracts from the leaves have shown antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-inflammatory and anticancer activities in laboratory trials.