The bark of Assegaai is popular in traditional medicine, particularly for the Zulu people, for the treatment of stomach ailments, diarrhoea and as a blood purifier. It is under threat as in some areas there is uncontrolled harvesting which can lead to ring-barking and disease or death of the tree.

 

The diversity of flora and fauna in South Africa is surely one of this country’s greatest assets. To have access to the many pristine areas that we do – those  beautiful National Parks and Reserves where we can celebrate our plant and animal heritage, has to be one of our biggest privileges.