Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata

Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata, the buffalo thorn, is a small to medium-sized tree that grows to 9 m in height, rarely 12 m (SA Tree List No. 447). The generic name comes (with the tree) from ancient times: The Greeks called this tree zizyphon from the Arabic name zizouf for the mythical lotus. This was adopted into Latin as zizyphum.

The tree is important in southern African culture and history, featuring in traditional medicine, religion and magic. It grows fast and easily, deserving consideration for bigger gardens, conversely as a bonsai.

The species is widely distributed across South Africa, excluding only the south-western Cape. It grows in much of Sub-Saharan Africa and in parts of Arabia. (Z. mucronata subsp. rhodesica, a much hairier tree, grows in Zimbabwe and Tanzania.)

The large distribution of subsp. mucronata goes with huge variations in habitat; tree size varies much according to prevailing growing conditions and resource availability. As a large tree one might find it in riparian woodland, at termite mounds and slopes receiving above average rain and not much cold.

Some say the presence of this tree indicates underground water. Some also say lightning doesn’t strike it. The buffalo thorn, much admired and special to many, has elicited wonderful tales and accumulated rich folklore, so beware (Coates Palgrave, 2002; www.plantzafrica.com).