Bridelia Care

Bridelia micrantha, the mitzeeri or the coastal golden-leaf, is a tree in the family Phyllanthaceae and is native to tropical and southern Africa as well as to the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean.

Bridelia micrantha is a medium to tall tree (up to 20 m), with a dense widely spreading crown. The leaves are large, alternate and simple. The tree may be deciduous or evergreen. They are found growing in coastal forests (such as KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Lowland Forest), riverine forest, swamp forest, woodland and along forest margins. A multipurpose tree, it is commonly harvested for its fruit, medicinal applications, timber, fuel and many other applications. The plant can be effectively used as a background plant in the garden, adding a splash of colour with its yellow, orange and purple leaves. It makes an excellent shade tree, not only in the garden but also on the farm, forming a neatly shaped crown in only 3 years.