African Tree Essences

The Sea Guarrie Euclea racemosa: full information page

Family: EBENACEAE

The sea guarrie is a small tree of up to six metres in height. It occurs in coastal dune scrub and low coastal forest. Their small bell-like, white flowers are borne in summer and are popular with honey bees. The flowers are followed by juicy, purple fruits that are much sought after by birds. The foliage of this tree is dark green and leathery, and their dark gray trunks are slender with a rough textured bark.

The timber of the sea guarrie is fine-grained and heavy with a beautiful red to purple hue.
They are hardy, attractive plants that can be used as a screening for boundary walls as well as making good hedges. They are especially suited to coastal gardens.

The common name, sea guarrie, is a Khoisan word, meaning “bush-like” tree. At Platbos they are found mostly on the forest margin and their sweet flowers are much loved by the forest’s honey bees.