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Sambucus nigra |
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 Trees
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Sambucus
nigra is a small deciduous much branched tree often
shrubby, growing up to 10m in height. Its leaves that are paired with 2 to 4 pairs
per stem are dull green in colour, 3-12cm in size, oval in shape, pointed and sharply
toothed. Large round heads of sweetly scented white flowers appear in June and July these
turn into berries that ripen black in August which droop when mature. This
tree grows vigorously on rich disturbed soils which has a high nitrogen content and will
colonize an area quickly. Both fruits and flowers make wines and jams that are rich in
vitamin C. Its wood is hard and yellowish and is used to make small items such as,
wooden spoons and toys.
Children made whistles and pea- shooters, by hollowing out the stems.
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Collect fruit as soon as ripe in October. Remove flesh and sow immediately. Good germination rate also
responds well to cuttings