Capparaceae - Caper family
SA Tree no 122
This tree is associated with got, dry areas. It prefers well-drained soils such as sandy or rocky soils and is widespread in dry, open woodland and bushveld. It is most common in rocky areas. It very seldom occurs in groups, and often only one specimen is found in an area. It is a small to medium height 3 - 8 m, with moderate density.
This is a single-trunked tree that branches into a few, large branches. The branches divide profusely to form a rounded canopy. The bark is a noticeably pale grey colour, with white patches, particularly on branches which are clearly visible between the dense leaves. In some areas the bark may have a more yellowish or blackish look. The young, dull green twigs stand out from the canopy and are covered with spirally arranged leathery leaves. Smaller trees are often very heavily browsed in a round, dense canopy.
Links with animals - The leaves are very nutritious and high in protein and Vitamin A, and are a valuable fodder for both domestic and wild animals, especially during drought. The leaves and flowers are eaten by all antelope, and a favourite of the giraffe. Infusions of the leaves are used to treat eye diseases of cattle. New shoots soon spring up from any severed area, providing a further food-source.
Human uses - Coffee and porridge are made from the powdered roots, and the green fruit is used to treat epilepsy. the wood is used to make household utensils such as spoons and bowls.
Gardening - This can be an attractive shade tree in gardens in dry areas. It can be grown easily from seed as well as from root or shoot cuttings. It grows slowly, is drought- resistant, but is not very frost-resistant.
Leaves - Simple and clustered on older branches, but tend to be alternate on new growth; thin elliptic with a rounded tip and a smooth margin. They are tough and leathery and may be slightly hairy, and usually evergreen. The apex is rounded or abruptly attenuate, often bristle-tipped; base tapering; margin entire; shortly petiolate (40 x 10 mm)
Flowers - Inconspicuous, yellow flowers are star-shaped and have no petals, with a sweet, heavy scent. They grow in bunches of 4 - 5, usually on old wood. Glowering trees have a striking yellow-green tinge. Flowers appear from July to November, but mostly from August to November, depending on rain. (4 mm)
Fruit - The bunches of berry-like fruit is round, smooth , without hairs and ripens to yellow, from December to March. (15 mm)
Best places to see the Shepherds' Tree in Southern Africa:
The Shepherds' Tree is found in the Kruger National Park in the Lebombo Mountain Bushveld, Olifants Rugged Veld, Mopane Scrubveld, Alluvial Plains, Tree Mopane Savannah & Mopane / Bushwillow Woodlands ecozones.
 Tree species of Southern Africa >> Printable Tree List <<
South African Trees >> Printable Tree List <<
The Plant Kingdom (Plantae)
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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