Platylophus trifoliatus commonly known as White Alder or White Els in English and Witels, Witelsboom, Witte-els, Witte-elseboom or Witte-elsehout in Afrikaans is a South African endemic species from the Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. White Alder occurs in protected kloof forests along the mountain ranges from the Cape Peninsula to the Southern Cape. It is synonymously known as Weinmannia trifoliata and is placed in the Cunoniaceae family. The wood varies in colour, ranging from a light pinkish-brown to mostly pinkish brown with darker marking. The wood is sweet-smelling, fine and even textured, medium-hard and medium heavy. The wood is used in furniture making and is in demand for boat-building, and for door and window frames. The dark wood is very suitable for prestige furniture and face veneers. This tree is often planted by honey bee farmers.