Trees diurnal

Live Long

Lannea discolor

The Live Long tree is a resilient centerpiece of the African landscape, instantly recognizable by its 'discolored' leaves—emerald on top and shimmering silver beneath. It serves as a bustling wildlife hub, offering a seasonal feast that brings the best of backyard nature right to your camera lens.

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Quick Identification

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Size

A medium-sized tree typically reaching 8–15 meters (26–50 feet) in height with a broad, rounded canopy.

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Colors

Dark grey to blackish rough bark; compound leaves are dark green on top with a distinctive silvery-white, velvety underside.

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Key Features

Distinctive bicolored leaves with silvery-white undersides
Rough, dark grey bark that often peels in rectangular flakes
Small, star-shaped yellow flowers appearing on bare branches
Edible reddish-purple fleshy fruits (drupes) about 1 cm in diameter

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours Wildlife activity peaks from 6-10 AM and 4-7 PM during fruiting season

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Season September to November for flowering; December to February for fruiting

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Diet As a primary producer, it generates energy via photosynthesis; its fruit is a high-energy food source for birds, primates, and small mammals.

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Habitat Common in deciduous woodlands, rocky ridges, and increasingly popular in large suburban gardens as a 'live fence' or shade tree.

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Behavior

The Live Long tree, so named for its incredible vitality and ability to grow from a simple pole or cutting, is a cornerstone of the savanna ecosystem. As a deciduous species, it undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout the year. In early spring, it is often one of the first trees to signal the change of season, producing clusters of yellowish flowers on bare, architectural branches before the first leaves even emerge. This early blooming makes it a critical early-season nectar source for various insects.

Once in full leaf, the tree provides dense shade, but its most fascinating 'behavior' is ecological. It acts as a seasonal magnet for wildlife. In the summer months, the tree produces a bounty of grape-like fruits that ripen to a dark purple. These fruits are highly sought after by a wide array of species, from birds and monkeys to local human populations. The tree's resilience allows it to thrive in rocky, well-drained soils where other species might struggle, often forming a micro-habitat that supports a high density of backyard biodiversity.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the life surrounding a Live Long tree requires a strategy that shifts with the seasons. During the summer fruiting peak (December to February), the best camera placement is within the canopy itself. If you can safely mount your AI camera on a sturdy branch about 2–3 meters (6–10 feet) up, facing a cluster of ripening fruit, you will capture spectacular footage of frugivorous birds like African Green Pigeons, Barbets, and Mousebirds. Angle the camera slightly downward to reduce sky-glare, which can be intensified by the tree’s reflective, silvery leaf undersides.

In the spring (September to October), focus your camera on the bare ends of the branches. This is when the yellow flowers appear, attracting a flurry of sunbirds and insects. Because the tree is leafless during this time, the visibility is excellent. Use a high-speed trigger setting or 'burst mode' to capture the rapid movements of nectar-feeders. If your camera supports it, a time-lapse setting focused on a single flowering branch over the course of a week can create a stunning visual record of the tree waking up from its winter dormancy.

Don't forget the ground-level action. The Live Long's fruit eventually drops, creating a feeding zone for terrestrial visitors. Position a trail camera 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) off the ground, roughly 3 meters away from the base of the trunk. This is the prime spot to catch Duikers, Scrub Hares, and even porcupines that come to scavenge the fallen treats at night. Because the bark is very dark, ensure your infrared flash settings are adjusted so they don't overexpose the foreground while trying to illuminate the dark trunk in the background.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Live Long.

False Marula

Lacks the silvery-white leaf undersides of the Live Long and typically has a smoother bark texture.

Marula

Has much larger, yellow fruits and the leaves do not have the velvety white underside characteristic of the Live Long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildlife activity is highest during the early morning and late afternoon when birds and monkeys visit to feed on the fruit. Nocturnal mammals may visit the base of the tree after dark to scavenge fallen fruit.

The easiest way is to plant a 'truncheon'—a large cutting or pole—directly into well-drained soil during the winter months. It is exceptionally hardy and will often sprout roots and leaves by spring.

The fruits are edible and have a pleasant, slightly grape-like flavor with a thin layer of flesh over a large stone. They are enjoyed by humans and wildlife alike.

Yes, they are very common in Southern African suburbs, often used as 'live fences' because they grow easily from cuttings and provide excellent privacy and shade.

The easiest way is to look at the underside of the leaves. The Live Long (Lannea discolor) has a stark silvery-white, velvety underside, while the False Marula (Lannea schweinfurthii) has leaves that are green on both sides.

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