Mgambo, a Swahili word meaning "announcement" or "proclamation," is also the common name for a tropical African tree with very striking fruits and seeds.

Like so many plants, this tree is likely to escape the notice of people passing by when it's not in fruit. Even the flowers are quite inconspicuous. They are very tiny, with four orangey petals only about an eighth of an inch long. Its petals are hidden behind protective parts of the flower that are greenish-yellow, so even though there are clusters of them at the branch tips, they just blend into the background of foliage.

As the pollinated flowers develop, they produce clusters of angled, three-sided greenish-yellow capsules that are somewhat inflated, like balloons. The young capsules are an inch across and an inch long, and pointed at the tip. When immature, if you press the soft capsules between your fingers, they will make a popping sound.

As the fruits mature, they undergo an amazing transformation. At this point, I can see why the name was given to the plant, because it announces or proclaims its presence in a very showy way.

The now tan-colored capsules open up to reveal a satiny, fuchsia-colored inner surface. Over two inches across when open, the capsules now are no longer soft and pliable, but woody and brittle.

Dotted along the center seams of the dark pink inner walls of each capsule are two to six seeds. The oval seeds, about a third of an inch long, are softly furry, and bluish black. These seeds give rise to other common names: velvet seed or black pearl.

The seeds are often used in making necklaces. The seeds fall off easily, but the capsules are valued in dried floral arrangements and holiday wreaths. The timber of the mgambo is also useful. Hard and fine-grained, the wood is prized for cabinetry.

Botanically, the mgambo, or Majidea zanguebarica, belongs to the soapberry family. Its familiar close relatives include the litchi, rambutan, longan, soapberry and 'a'ali'i.

Seeds germinate easily. Planted in a sunny location, the attractive, glossy-leaved tree should thrive. Be sure to remember, however, that the mature tree can reach a height of 80 feet!

Winnie Singeo is director of the Honolulu botanical gardens. Reach her at hbg@honolulu.gov or 522-7060.