Diospyros mespiliformis is a semi-deciduous to evergreen tree with a dense rounded spreading crown and a tall bare stem. It is a protected tree of South Africa. This tree is frost sensitive and marginally drought tolerant. It is widely distributed throughout the eastern part of the African continent, from Ethiopia to the south of Swaziland.

On young trees, the bark is green and hairy becoming dark brown, rough and fissured as the tree matures. Leaves of the Jackalberry are simple, alternate, leathery, dark green with a dull shine. In early Spring, new leaves with a red colour emerge, causing the tree to stand out in the garden. From October to November, this tree produces fragrant cream coloured and bell-shaped flowers. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. The male flowers appear in stalked bunches while the female flowers are solitary. After flowering, fruits are produced on the female trees only. The fruit is a fleshy berry, with an enlarged calyx, yellow to orange when ripe.

The Jackalberry is a must have in wildlife gardens. Leaves are eaten by elephants, giraffes, black rhino, buffalo, eland and kudu. Fruits are eaten by kudu, warthog, baboons, monkeys, parrots, bulbuls, hornbills and louries. The fruits are also edible, with a soft sweet flesh. This tree is ideal for very large gardens. It has a taproot and a non-aggressive root system.