Celastraceae - Spike-thorn family
SA Tree no 402
This tree does not show a specific preference for a particular soil type. It is more easily found where it grows in groups, on or near river banks. The bark is grey and smooth.
It is an untidy, sparse, multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub. It branches into many long, thin, whitish-grey branchlets and twigs that curve down, with grey-green leaves towards the tips. Long, thin spines may carry leaves. The abundant, small, white flowers have a sweet smell.
Links with animals - The leaves are eaten by elephant, kudu, giraffe and impala, the fruit is eaten by birds, and the black rhino eat both the bark and the leaves.
Human uses - The fruit is edible. Extracts of the roots and thorns can be used to treat colds and coughs. Extracts of the tree can treat snakebite. The twigs were used to start fire by using friction.
Gardening - Trees can be grown from seed. They grow slowly and while being drought-resistant, are sensitive to frost.
Leaves - Simple, narrow, elliptic leaves are arranged alternately in clusters on short side branchlets or on the spikes. They are usually leathery and bluish-grey. The leaves are very smoothly serrated and the tip is rounded. (2 - 120 x 40 - 60 mm)
Flowers - male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. There are clusters of white star-shaped flowers at the base of the leaves. They are sweetly scented, and flower from February to June. (4 - mm; cluster 40 mm)
Thorns - The long, sharp, thin spines may be absent from some branches. (40 mm)
Fruit - The berry-like fruit is reddish when ripe. The fruit is a two-lobed capsule. (From August to February: 2 - 6 mm)
Best places to see the Red Spike-Thorn in Southern Africa:
The Red Spike-Thorn is found in the Kruger National Park in the Sabie Crocodile Thorn Thickets, Knob Thorn / Marula Savannah, Riverine Communities, Olifants Rugged Veld & Alluvial Plains 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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