Buffalo Thorn

Buffalo Thorn – Ziziphus mucronata – PlantedThis must be one of my favourite trees owing to the spiritual beliefs around it.

In Afrikaans it is called the Blink-blaar-wag-‘n-bietjie , which translated means shiny-leaf-wait-a-bit.

The thorns occur in pairs – one pointing straight forward and below the branch one hooked backwards. So if you get caught in it it will take you awhile to get out.

Beauty of the Buffalo Thorn

The buffalo thorn is a small to medium sized tree, growing to a height of 3-10 m. The crown is irregular, with dense spreading and drooping branches.

Believes

The Zulus see this as you must look to your future (straight thorn) but never forget your past (hooked thorn). The zigzag nature of the branches indicates that life is never straightforward.

When somebody dies and is buried away from their home a branch from the tree is placed on top of the grave. It is believed that the spirit enters branch. The branch is then transported to the person’s home. The branch gets it’s own seat on a bus or taxi.

In Botswana it is believed that you will be safe from lightning if you stand under the buffalo thorn during a storm.

Animals

Many animal and bird species feed on the leaves and fruit. Giraffes love the leaves and impala are often found under the trees eating the dead leaves that have fallen.

The nectar found in the flowers are said to yield a very good honey.

It is a food plant for many butterfly species.

Other uses of the Buffalo Thorn:

  • The seeds, if roasted, can be used as a substitute for coffee and maize meal
  • The roots have peptide alkaloids and antifungal properties and hence used as painkillers, for dysentery, respiratory ailments and sepsis on the skin. In East Africa it is also used for snake bites.
  • The fruit flesh mixed with water is a good thirst quencher and it can also be used to make a beer if fermented properly.
  • The thorny branches are used for natural fences.
  • Sores, wounds, boils and swollen glands can be treated by a paste of the roots and leaves.
  • Having a steam bath with the bark of this tree helps to purify and improve the complexion.
  • Leaves are considered to be an aphrodisiac