Ziziphus rivularis bark

This Ziziphus rivularis trunk is well developed, growing in Kirstenbosch, far away from its Lowveld heimat. The erect bole triggers action in passing photographers suffering from the compulsion of recording tree bark.

Initially green, then pale grey and smooth, the Z. rivularis bark eventually cracks longitudinally and transversally on the ageing trunk into roughly rectangular, fairly thin surface patches that persist. The widening gaps between patches are rougher and darker. Older stems are usually darker.

This Ziziphus is unarmed, i.e. it bears no spines or other weaponry (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist).