Harpephyllum afrum, previously known as Harpephyllum caffrum, is an attractive evergreen tree in the Anacardiaceae family that is useful as an ornamental garden tree and for attracting birds and butterflies into the garden. With its thick crown and somewhat drooping leaves, the wild plum is a good shade tree in the garden. The tasty plum-like fruits first appear green and then turn red when they ripen in autumn; they contain a single seed and are enjoyed by people, mammals and birds. They are commonly used for making jams and jellies. With their sour taste, they are also good to make rosé wine. The bark is a popular traditional medicine. It is used to treat acne and eczema, and is usually applied in the form of facial saunas and skin washes. It is used by people with ‘bad blood’ that results in pimples on the face. Powdered burnt bark is used to treat sprains and bone fractures. Bark is also used for dyeing, and it gives a mauve or pink colour. In some parts of Eastern Cape, root decoctions are traditionally taken for paralysis thought to have been contracted from walking over an area that has been poisoned or polluted through sorcery. The wild plum may be confused with the Cape ash (Ekebergia capensis) but is distinguishable by its sickle-shaped leaflets and the leaves that are crowded towards the end of the branches. The wood of the H. caffrum is pale reddish and fairly heavy. It polishes well but is not very durable. It has been used as a general purpose timber, for furniture and beams. It is also used for carving curios.