Rhamnaceae - Dogwood family
SA Tree no 447
This tree is found thoughout Southern Africa, but prefers brackish flat and koppie, open woodland, often in alluvial soils along rivers, and on termite mounds. It does not grow in large groups, but when there is one tree, others are usually found in quite close proximity.
It is a small to medium size, 3 - 10 m, with moderate density, and it is a small, single-trunked tree with an irregular spiky canopy. The canopy is formed by densely branched, angular, zigzag twigs and branchlets. The leaves are conspicuously shiny and light green, with three veins from the base. Round, berry like fruit on the angular, zigzag branchlets and twigs make identification in winter possible. The bark is grey and smooth when young, becoming grooved with age.
Links with animals - The fruit is eaten by many animals, including impala, warthog, baboon, monkey, nyala and black rhino. The leaves are eaten by impala, nyala, kudu, giraffe and black rhino.
Human uses - It is a medicinal plant, used for stomach ailments, ulcers and chest problems. The fruit can be eaten, and is also used for making porridge and flour. The seeds are roasted as a coffee substitute. The wood is used for fencing posts. Branches of this tree are laid on the graves of Zulu chiefs and royalty.
Gardening - Although being a pretty tree, it is not advisable in a family garden, due to its thorns.The tree grows fast from seed and is fairly drought- and frost-resistant.
Leaves - Simple, alternate, ovate to broadly ovate, either without hairs, or with short, soft, pale brown, woolly hairs on the under surface, borne on the angles of the twigs and they are slightly folded. They are bright, light green and shiny, with serrated edges and they typically have three veins from the base. (40 x 30 mm)
Flowers - Small, star-like, yellow-green flowers grow in clusters at the base of the leaves, from October to November. (5 mm)
Fruit - Round, berry-like fruit, hard and dark brown, and often visible on trees in winter when trees have lost their foliage. They ripen from January onwards. (10 mm)
Thorns - Pairs of brown thorns, one straight and one curved, are borne on the angles of the zigzag of twigs and branchlets. (Straight: 20 mm; curved: 7 mm)
Best places to see the Buffalo-Thorn in Southern Africa:
The Buffalo-Thorn is found in the Kruger National Park in the Mixed Bushwillow Woodlands, Pretoriuskop Sourveld, Malelane Mountain Bushveld, Sabie Crocodile Thorn Thickets, Knob Thorn / Marula Savannah & Stunted Knob Thorn Savannah 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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