Lycium afrum young growth

The short, side-branchlets of Lycium afrum are stiffly spine-tipped. The spines on the side-branches are from 1 cm to 4,5 cm long.

Leaves and flowers typically grow from these young branchlets. The flowers grow solitary or in pairs, scattered among the leaf tufts. Flowers are pendulous on stalks of 8 mm.

The newest branchlets in picture not yet as covered in leaves as the slightly older ones immediately below them. These young branchlets become stout and sturdy, tapering fairly abruptly to render their tips sharp and intimidating.

These plants can be planted to form attractive hedges (Privett and Lutzeyer, 2010; Manning, 2007; Manning and Goldblatt, 1996; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).