Gymnosporia buxifolia spines and leaves

The robust aspect of the spines on Gymnosporia buxifolia branches is in evidence on this specimen photographed near Beaufort West. Spines on this species may sometimes be less conspicuous and slender. The rounded leaf tips can be clearly seen.

The leaves are thinly textured and usually of similar size on G. buxifolia, unlike G. heterophylla that has leaves of notably variable size (Coates Palgrave, 2002).