Xymalos

Xymalos monospora (plant family Monimiaceae),^[2] commonly known as lemonwood, is a species of evergreen tree native to Africa, the only species in the genus Xymalos. It is an Afromontane endemic, and can be found from 900 to 2700 meters elevation in the highlands of Eastern Africa from Sudan to South Africa, as well as on Mount Cameroon and Bioko in west-central Africa.

Xymalos
New foliage of a tree in South Africa
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Magnoliids
Order:	Laurales
Family:	Monimiaceae
Genus:	Xymalos Baill.
Species:	X. monospora
Binomial name
Xymalos monospora (Harv.) Baill.
Synonyms
Toxicodendron acutifolium Benth. Paxiodendron ulugurense Engl. Paxiodendron usambarense Engl. Xymalos mossambicensis Cavaco Xymalos ulugurensis (Engl.) Engl. Xymalos usambarensis (Engl.) Engl. Xylosma monospora Harv.

Lemonwood is commonly found in escarpment forest and regenerated scrub. Its leaves have a strong lemon scent when crushed. Fragrant yellow flowers appear in spring and are followed by small green capsules that take about a year to ripen.

Gallery

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  inflorescence
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  fruit