A SAVANNAH FRUIT SALAD

Two tree species of the Kruger National Park (KNP) that are very similar in appearance and hence often confused with each other, are the waterberry (Syzygium cordatum) and the Bushveld waterberry (Syzygium guineense subsp. guineense), also known as a water pear.

To add to the confusion, the alien (Java or Malabar plum, or jambolan) is also confused with the Bushveld waterberry and has been widely planted along roadsides in the Lowveld. Inbeing planted in gardens in the KNP, but when the error was discovered in the late 80s, all the specimens were removed, and fruit destroyed and have consequently been eliminated from the KNP. It is classed as an invasive species in the country.