C - 2025 CORDIA CAFFRA (SEPTEE TREE)

Good afternoon

May I introduce you to the beautiful Cordia Caffra (Septee tree) which is indigenous to South Africa. 

Wood, J.M., Evans, M.S., Natal plants, vol. 6: t. 508 (1909-1912)

I grew up in Durban North, South Africa, during a time when the area in which we lived was little more than a suburb surrounded by open fields and sugar cane plantations. I’m surprised that we all survived given the propensity of children to taste anything and everything. Childhood resilience doesn’t quite explain it.

An entanglement worthy of a child's exploration

Hedgerows of the most amazing berries were our impromptu snacks to and from school and anything which appeared edible was tasted and tested. I remember clambering through the twists of branches of a large Cordia Caffra tree to get to the delicious-looking berries. What a disappointment that turned out to be but, although the fruits weren’t particularly nice, we all would still pick handfuls to eat if nothing else was available. My tastebuds still salivate (and not in a good way) when I think of it. It reminds me of my grandchildren eating lemons, pulling a face and going back for more. A fine example of deception.

Honestly, don’t those berries look mouth-wateringly delicious? 

The attractive, drooping, glossy leaves have long petioles and wave in the slightest breeze, adding movement to the already magical canopy.

Tantalising fruit nestling amongst glossy waves of green

The creamy-white, sweetly scented flowers which grace the tree in September and October attract all manner of insects. The masses of orange fruits which are pleasingly decorative, attract birds and are edible but not very palatable.

An abundance of white, nectar-filled blossoms

GARDENING

For gardeners who plant and enjoy indigenous plants, the rewarding Septee tree grows quickly and responds well to pruning making this an ideal choice for creating privacy along property boundaries as well as areas where space is restricted.

Cordia caffra really is a stunning tree and it should be planted far more extensively in cities and towns throughout the country. The Septee tree shows off it lovely foliage throughout the warmer months. The dramatic accent to the landscape is enhanced by the beautiful, dense canopy, decorative bark, masses of sweetly fragranced flowers and eye catching orange fruit.

The Cordia Caffra tree is a very handsome and interesting tree that has something to offer the gardener in every season – decorative fruits, sweetly fragranced, dainty flowers, lovely lustrous foliage and eye-catching, beautiful bark textures in the warmer months followed by a few months where it is bare but still just as eye-catching when the bare branches, with their striking, intriguing patterns and colourations add a dramatic feel to the landscape.

Lone Cordia Caffra showing off its foliage

It is a lovely accent or focal specimen, that, although not a classic horticultural beauty, is definitely worth growing for its artistic branching pattern and decorative bark and fruits. It is a highly decorative, adaptable tree that can be used in a variety of landscape applications.

It tolerates shady conditions and does not get too big, making it ideal for smaller gardens and areas with limited space.

When planted in groves or small groups, Cordia Caffra adds a stunning woodland atmosphere to the garden

Cordia Caffra does not have an overly aggressive root system, so can be planted fairly close to permanent structures, paving and pools.

It is a relatively fast-growing tree that can easily be trimmed down and shaped for a more shrubby effect which works well as background foliage or as a sturdy hedge or privacy screen.

It is perfect for attracting birds.

Since it is deciduous, in winter (which is never really that cold in coastal Kwazulu Natal) it boasts interesting architectural-like patterns which are created by the bare branches.

The fragrant flowers entice bees and other insects and so keep the natural ecosystem thriving.

Botanical Name	Cordia caffra
Common Name	Septee tree
Genus	Boraginaceae
RSA National Tree No’	652

TREE SPECIFICATIONS
Height	6 – 7m
Spread	4 - 5 m
Deciduous/Evergreen
Growth Habit	The lovely Cordia caffra )Septee Tree) occurs naturally in forest, coastal forest and riverine bush
Bark	The attractive, smooth bark is creamy brown with pinkish mottling. Areas where the bark flakes off are pale grey to white underneath
Foliage	The thin, drooping, alternate leaves are glossy dark green above and paler green below. They are ovate to narrowly ovate with a slightly toothed margin
Flowers	From September to November, the pretty, sweetly fragranced, creamy white, bell shaped flowers appear in terminal clusters
Fruit	The abundant, striking fruit consists of a deep orange drupe with a large, cup like calyx
Seed	Seed is contained in a small capsule and has a pleated cotyledon
GROWING REQUIREMENTS
Growing regions	The Septee tree occurs along the coastal forests of the Transkei and Kwa Zulu Natal up to southern Mozambique and north eastern Limpopo
Growing conditions	Cordia caffra prefers a semi shaded position but will also do well in full sun. Plant in a large hole to which plenty of compost and organic fertiliser have been added. Protect the stem from frost for the first few winters
Best season	Spring
Hardiness	Cordia caffra will tolerate windy conditions as well as light frost
Propagation	Sow seeds in a good seedling mixture and keep moist. The seed germinates readily.
Growth rate	Fairly fast, trees will reach flowering stage in approximately 7 years

MEDICINAL

Traditional remedies:

Different parts of the plant, including the leaves and bark, have been used traditionally by the local peoples in South Africa to treat sore and inflamed eyes, fever, headaches, sores, and wounds. Some traditional uses suggest potential therapeutic actions like anthelmintic, astringent, diuretic, demulcent, purgative, expectorant, tonic, ulcer, and cough relief.

PRACTICAL USES

The Septee tree is widely used among indigenous people in South Africa for a number of projects, some of which I’ve made note of above. The sapwood of this tree is a light, caramel brown, while the heartwood is pinkish-brown to dark brown.

The heartwood is durable, heavy, hard, fine-grained and polishes well. It has been used to make beautiful furniture as it also does not chip easily when worked.

Dry sticks are used to create a fire by friction.

For those interested in woodworking, the attractive heart wood of Cordia Caffra is easy to work with and polishes up beautifully, making it sought after for the manufacture of fine furniture.

The young wood is used by locals for building huts while its dried sticks are used to start fires the traditional way through sparks caused by friction. 

When I was a Girl Guide, we were taught to make fire this way. I think I can safely state that the Cordia Caffra tree was used because of its ubiquity and relatively easy igniting properties.

WILDLIFE

The fragrant flowers attract a vast amount of insect life, including bees and butterflies.

The insects which are lured by the fragrant flowers entice insect-eating birds to pay the tree a visit. The decorative but not very tasty fruits are readily devoured by birds and sometimes monkeys, less often people, and the leaves are browsed by antelope and certain game species.

Sources:

https://cjmgrowers.co.za/cordia-caffra/
https://tropical.theferns.info/
https://www.randomharvest.co.za/South-African-Indigenous-Plants/

 

B - 2025 - BURCHELLIA BUBALINA (Wild pomegranate)

Good evening

Pomegranates are a firm favourite of mine, not only for their flavour but for their health benefits. I currently have five small bushes in my garden which I have grown from seeds. It’s taken a number of years and it now looks as if they will consistently begin producing fruit, just as we are about to leave – just my luck. 

The pomegranate plants which I have are regular pomegranates and I was fascinated to discover that South Africa has its own wild pomegranate which has small seeds packed with the same goodness that is found in the regular fruit. Luckily for me, pomegranates also grow in Portugal so that will definitely be a fruit to be planted.

Burchellia Bubalina in the wild - South Africa

Burchellia is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. The genus contains only one species, viz. Burchellia bubalina, which is commonly known as wild pomegranate (English) or wildegranaat (Afrikaans). The plant is prevalent in South Africa, particularly Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burchellia).

Burchellia bubalina is a hardy, evergreen, beautiful shrub with attractive glossy, dark green leaves. It bears clusters of gorgeous tubular, apricot coloured, flowers on and off throughout the year but its main flowering period is from August to December.

The flowers have copious nectar which attracts bees, birds, butterflies and other insects.

Copious flowers of Burchellia Bubalina filled with nectar

It is a fast-growing and hardy evergreen which does well in either semi-shade, shade, or full sun. It prefers well-drained, loamy soil which is regularly fed with compost.

NATURAL BENEFITS

Wherever possible, I'll include edible or medicinal benefits of the South African indigenous plants which I highlight. The benefits from these indigenous South African pomegranates are extensive – much more than I ever thought possible.

Fruit of the wild pomegranate

The wild pomegranate, similar to its cousin, the large cultivated pomegranate, offers numerous health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants, supporting heart health, potentially aiding in cancer prevention, and promoting healthy skin. The plants are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and other essential nutrients. They also contain fibre, which the local communities use as an important for digestive health and satiety. (Source: https://www.randomharvest.co.za/)

Although many of the health benefits are set out here, they are not all but you will have a good idea of how good this little superfood is. The jury is still out on some of the health claims but many studies are continually being done and these seem to have some traction.

Antioxidant: Packed with antioxidants, like polyphenols and ellagic acid, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Heart Health: Contribute to better heart health by potentially lowering cholesterol and blood pressure as well as improving blood flow.

Cancer Prevention: May help prevent or slow the growth of certain cancers, due to their antioxidant properties.

Anti-inflammatory: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation.

Digestive Health: Aid in digestion and may help with conditions like diarrhoea and ulcers.

Skin: Promote healthy skin, protect against UV damage, and reduce signs of aging.

Brain Function: May improve brain function and memory.

Immunity: Loaded with vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in strengthening our immune system, helping us fight off infections and illnesses.

Male Reproductive Health: (last but not least): May improve erectile function, boost testosterone levels, enhance sperm quality, and support overall male reproductive health.

A - 2025 - ADANSONIA DIGITATA (BAOBAB TREE)

The Adansonia Digitata or Baobab Tree is a true throwback to ancient times. This iconic tree is commonly found in the Limpopo Province, the northern regions of KZN and the southern and western provinces of Zimbabwe.  The larger specimens are thousands of years old.

(Source: https://www.plantbook.co.za/adansonia-digitata/)

Locally it is called the upside down tree because, without leaves, it looks like the tree has been uprooted and upended. The tree grows to enormous heights and girth. It has a rounded or spreading crown and a grey trunk which is smooth with many folds which assist in retaining moisture within the tree’s trunk.

The large waxy white flowers are approximately 20cm in diameter. They have rather an unpleasant odour and are solitary, pendulous with numerous stamens. The petals bruise easily and become brown on contact. The flowers hang upside down and the fruit is a large, oval pod covered in yellowish-grey velvety hairs.  It splits open to reveal cream-coloured, powdery capsules which coat the seed. The tree is also known locally as the Kremetartboom (Cream of Tartar tree) as it is a major producer of cream of tartar. Children in areas where baobabs live eat the fruit as an original 'sour' sweet candy.

(Source: https://www.plantbook.co.za/adansonia-digitata/)

There are several notable “big trees” which are worth visiting.  The infamous Victoria Falls (in Zimbabwe) Big Tree is a tourist attraction. 

(Source: https://www.plantbook.co.za/adansonia-digitata/)

In South Africa, the Sagole Baobab located between Tsepise and the Kruger National Park Pafuri Gate has a trunk diameter of 10.47 meters.  It is also home to a flock of the rare Mottled spinetail.The Baobab’s natural habitat is dry woodland. It provides nesting sites for birds and elephants strip the bark to get water and other nutrients.

(Source: https://www.plantbook.co.za/adansonia-digitata/)

NATURAL BENEFITS

Wherever possible, I'll include edible or medicinal benefits of the South African indigenous plants which I highlight.

Baobab - Cream of Tartar Tree

The tree is sometimes referred to as the "cream of tartar tree" or, more usually in South Africa, the "kremetartboom" because the fruit pulp contains tartaric acid, which is a key ingredient in cream of tartar, a common baking ingredient. The baobab fruit contains high levels of antioxidants, potassium and phosphorus, vitamin C, calcium and fibre.

(Source: https://www.theguardian.com/)

The baobab fruit is a large, woody fruit which contains a tangy, sweet, and slightly sour powder. It is 

 used in drinks, baking, and as a natural sweetener. 

Throughout Africa, the baobab tree is one of significance and superstition. Parts of the tree are used to treat malaria and infertility. On occasion, women give birth inside its hollow trunk. 

BLOG OPENING FOR MY UNOFFICIAL A - Z CHALLENGE 2025

Good evening

I have not signed up for the Blogging A – Z 2025 challenge because I know how busy I’m going to be as we prepare to emigrate. Case in point is that I missed posting yesterday and today as well except for this quick heads-up. If I can access anyone else's blogs during the challenge, I'll visit with pleasure.

Nevertheless, although I’m not part of the 2025 challenge, I’ll happily be on the outside looking in, and will see how far I get with showcasing some of the beautiful indigenous flowers and plants which grace the South African landscape. I'll sneak in a few others if I have to, to give me the necessary alphabet letter. 

Tomorrow I’ll try for three blogs, starting with Adansonia-Digitata or Baobab Tree. 

(Source: https://www.plantbook.co.za/adansonia-digitata/)

 

OF PROOFREADING AND EDITS

Good morning

Today’s Daighacaer review is going to be a little different as I take a turn into some editing and proofreading.

I have, previously, given a manuscript to someone who purported to be an editor. I admit that I did not do a thorough enough investigation into his credentials and found that his form of editing was rude and dismissive with very little constructive editing. That put me off using an editor at all. However, I have had to admit to myself that I am too close to the story to see where different text  may enhance the story.

That said, I also wanted to find out whether other forms of editing may be worthwhile. Over the past two weeks, I have been using AI to do some proofreading and editing for me as an experiment on whether ‘outsourcing’ an editing and proofreading function to AI would be of any benefit. What I found is that, clearly and understandably, AI doesn’t understand nuance, sarcasm or playful interactions for what they are and, more often than not, removed any dialogue, scenery or characterisation which it either did not understand or ‘disliked’. My book of over 100,000 words was reduced to less than 23,000. I know that there are sections which may need to be streamlined but what I did not have in mind was changing my full-length book into a short novella with staccato dialogue.

 

Here is only one example of rather a drastic AI edit of the Patriarch tree from this:

“You are very welcome, young half-dra’en,” boomed the Patriarch in his deep, rich tones which vibrated the whole area around him. “You already know of the Heir-Prince’s encounter with The Lord Dayl. You know too that you are one of those on whom he will be depending.”

“I do,” said Jivdreg into the tree’s pause.

“Don’t take lightly that fact. You will be embarking on a life within terrible and unthinkable dangers for a little while. You will need all your wits and knowledge about you. Your mother has taught you well but now you will need to explore and expand that knowledge and your heritage so that you can do what you need to do. You were chosen for your unique abilities. Do not, under any circumstances, discount those.” 

To this:

“You’re welcome, young half-dra’en,” it rumbled, vibrations rippling. “You know of Eryen’s task with The Lord Dayl—and your role.”

“I do,” Jivdreg replied. “Don’t take it lightly. Dangers loom—unthinkable ones. Your mother’s teachings are a start; expand them. You’re chosen for unique gifts—don’t dismiss them.”

This type of stilted dialogue would completely put me off reading further. Perhaps it’s only me but I have to write what I will enjoy reading. More importantly, trees speak in slow and drawn out narrative as befits their age and station within Faeré. They would never rush. To me, this is an example of AI not understanding nuance.

It has been an interesting exercise, nevertheless, and I’ll be interested to see if there are any of the edits which I want to incorporate into the book. As for a human editor, I will have to consider that carefully before committing to anything.

FATHER-LOVE

Good morning

I'm overwhelmed by pure gratitude for the love which God Our Father has for us. In a world which, wherever I look, seems to be broken beyond repair, I take comfort in the love which God has for His creation. There are so many examples of God’s love in the Bible. I have highlighted only one, 1 John 4: 7-14 and thank Our Father, through my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, for His everlasting love and care for us.

1 John 4: 7-14 (KJV)

7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 

Today’s simple poem reflects my gratitude for love which I cannot humanly understand.


                                    


FATHER-LOVE

Every good that we experience
On this wonderful earth of ours
Is a gift through our connection
To God Almighty up in Heaven

All the good
All the beauty
All the love
Is His alone

We are in truth His human-kind
An extension of His Father-love
Inspired through His love for us
Love manifest on earth by Spirit

LIFE GROWS TOWARDS THAT GOAL

Good evening

Happy emigration Thursday.

There have been two happy and important developments for our emigration to Portugal on which I can report. Both relate to finances.

The first is that we have now received our Número de Identificação (NIF). The NIF is the Portuguese tax number. If you have foreign citizenship and want to live and work in Portugal you will need to register with the Finance Department and Social Security.

The Portuguese Government website sets out the reasons that a foreign person, resident or non-resident in Portugal, who works and pays taxes in Portugal must have a Tax Identification Number (NIF). Registration with the Finance Department gives you a Tax Identification Number (NIF).

Citizens of Portugal have a NIF as part of their Identity Document. Once a non-resident qualifies as a resident, the ID document will also incorporate the NIF.

As a foreign citizen, the NIF is a Portuguese identification which allows you to make any sort of financial transaction, from simply getting a phone subscription to buying a property in the country including the authority to work, open a bank account or comply with tax obligations in Portugal. However, in order to apply for a D7 national visa (the one for which we are applying), it is necessary to have a NIF submitted with your application.

Applying for a NIF is free of charge in Portugal. There are, however, costs incurred if the application is done from outside of Portugal. We paid an agent the equivalent of €150 each for our NIF. This included authorising, through a Power of Attorney, the agent’s counterpart in Portugal to apply for the number on our behalf. The normal cost of doing this is between €150 and €200. If you have any doubts about obtaining an NIF, Steve Robinson, who used to live in South Africa and now resides in Portugal, has a very valuable and informative site on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/479205349249922/) called South Africans Helping South Africans in Portugal. Although this is set up to help South Africans who are emigrating, the information provided by Steve is invaluable to anyone wanting to relocate to Portugal. It’s well worth a visit.

The second development is that my investment accounts was opened. As part of the D7 visa, you have to have sufficient funds in an investment account to sustain you on a monthly basis for at least 12 months. This assures the Portuguese authorities that you are able to provide for yourself financially and will not become a burden on the State. Simon Batten has assisted hundreds of people to sort out this aspect of the visa process. He is a wealth of knowledge, who’s contact details can be found on the South Africans Helping South Africans in Portugal site, has been invaluable in sorting this out for us. The information required by the investment company is extensive but not onerous. I’m retired and, as such, do not have salary information to provide. In order to confirm for the organisation that I will qualify to open an investment account with them, they requested a brief career summary, including the name of my previous employer as well as a short overview of my professional background.

All in all. Wonderful progress.

[Source: Own photograph]

LIFE GROWS

Where do dreams
Like this belong?

Dreams of Times
Of Freedom
Dreams of Times
Of Glory
Dreams of Times
Of Bonds so forceful
They feel intoxicating

Perhaps one day
In some indeterminate way
We’ll comprehend
That dreams like this belong
Exactly where they are
In Time
Exactly where they are
Right now

There are times when life really takes its toll on us; when we consider all that we are doing to make a better life for ourselves and yet, we are stuck; stuck in a job we hate; stuck in a relationship which is not good for us; stuck in a country which no longer feels like home; stuck in a financial situation from which there is, seemingly, no escape; just stuck.

If we are able to withdraw from all of our circumstances and allow ourselves to dream or (in other words) to meditate and reflect on our life, we may discover that, throughout all that we are enduring, there is hope and there are solutions. I am a God-fearing disciple of Jesus so I seek God during such difficult times. If I didn’t, I know that I could easily slip into a dreaded depression. That’s when I need the presence of God’s Glory the most. The comfort in His Word has saved me more times than I care to admit.

Ezra 9:9 (KJV)

“For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.”