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The tree prefers moist soil. It grows well in red loams, volcanic and loamy sands. Jackalberry trees are also commonly found along river beds and swampy areas. The fruit of the tee is a favorite of many animals like kudus, nyalas, impalas, warthogs,baboons, parrots and hornbills. The seeds are also found in the dung of jackals, hence the name.

The animals that eat the fruit disperse the seeds and when the seed are dropped by the animals and they fall on soil that does not suit them, the don't germinate. If however, they fall on a termite mound they will start to grow.

Johan, this is Jackal-berry (Diospyros mespiliformis).

And these fruits are not that nice ... edible ... but only if you are desperate.

Animals love them though.