Burchellia bubalina aka Buffalo Horn

Burchellia bubalina is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is called wild pomegranate. Its native range covers parts of southern Africa. These include South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. It grows in forests and along their edges. It also occurs on rocky outcrops and in mountain grasslands. There, it forms part of scattered clumps of woody plants.

The plant keeps its leaves throughout the year. The database lists a height of about 16 feet [5 metres]. Its broader account gives an upper height of 26 feet [8 metres]. These figures reflect its range from shrub to small tree. Gardeners grow it as an ornamental plant. Its flowers supply sweet nectar, which people suck from the blooms. This edible use concerns the nectar, rather than a fruit crop. The supplied account gives no flower colour or flowering season.

This species grows mainly in subtropical climates. Its range also reaches a little into the tropics. Full sun gives the best growth and flowering. Yet the plant can also grow well in deep shade. It prefers slightly acid soil that lets excess water drain away. Established plants can withstand some frost. Severe frost can harm or kill them. They also need shelter from very cold winter winds. The evidence gives no hardiness zone or precise cold limit.

Growers can raise new plants from seeds or half-ripe cuttings. Sow seeds in a nursery bed soon after collection. They take about four to six weeks to sprout. Cuttings take about three to four weeks to form roots. Growers then move rooted cuttings into pots of potting soil. They harden these plants off before planting them in the garden. Both methods offer ways to raise plants for ornamental use.

People also gather this plant for wood and traditional medicine. Its hard, dense wood has a fine grain. Local uses include huts, hoe handles, and cattle yokes. Small wood sizes limit its use in commercial timber work. Traditional practice uses roots to bring on vomiting. People also combine bark and roots as splints for injured animals. These reports describe uses, not proof of medical safety. The source lists no known hazards. It gives no specific pest or disease information.