Maesa lanceolata, the false assegai, is a tree species that is widespread in the Afrotropics, including Madagascar.

[1] It occurs from the southern Arabian Peninsula, southwards to the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

[3] Flowers are arranged in shortly pedunculate axillary panicles, they are numerous and white to yellowish in color.

[6] Though considered toxic to human the extracts of Maesa lanceolata have been used in different communities to treat various ailments.

In East Africa root and fruit extracts are used by native healers in decoctions to treat cholera disease, tapeworm and sore throat.