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Ziziphus mucronata

by Johan Wentzel

Ziziphus mucronata
Common Name
Buffalo thorn
Plant Type
Tree
Ziziphus mucronata has both hook and straight thorns. The leaves turn a beautiful, golden yellow in autumn. Makes an excellent garden subject.
Plant Description

Ziziphus mucronata is medium sized with a rounded, spreading crown  and grows to a height of 4 to 8 m.  The foliage is a shiny, dark green and the leaves turn yellow to orange before dropping in autumn.  Ziziphus mucronata has both hooked and straight thorns, but it does not drop thorns. Small, yellow green flowers are produced from October to April and the nectar will entice many insects and birds to the garden.  The fruit takes the shape of a round berry that ripens to yellow and then dark brown.  It stays on the tree for a long time, even when the leaves have dropped and is eaten by birds and wildlife alike.

Ziziphus mucronata is one of the most adaptable trees in Africa.  It has the ability to withstand intense heat and cold and grows in all types of soil. This is an ideal shade tree as it provides coolness in summer, but allows enough sunlight in winter to provide warmth.  Drought hardy and frost resistant, the Buffalo thorn can be planted to form an impenetrable hedge and is a good choice for wildlife friendly gardens. It is a host plant to several species of butterfly. A must for birds garden. It is also produces a very distinct-flavoured honey that is highly prized.

Ziziphus mucronata is a very important tree in some of the African cultures.

You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.

Afrikaanse Naam
Blinkblaar wag-'n-bietjie
Hardiness
Very hardy
Position
Sun
Water Requirements
Water wise
Evergreen
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flowering Time
Summer
Flower Colour
Yellow
Shape
Spreading
Soil
Loam
Plant Size
5m
Region
Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga
Habitat
Grassland, Savannah
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
Yes

Trackbacks

  1. Grassland Garden Maintenance - Wildflower Nursery says:
    2017-04-12 at 7:14 am

    […] have close relatives that are true trees. For example, the underground cousin of the Buffalo thorn, Ziziphus mucronata is Ziziphus […]

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