Lycium ferocissimum aka African Boxthorn

Lycium ferocissimum has two common names: African boxthorn and Cape boxthorn. It is part of Solanaceae, the nightshade family. It comes from southern Africa, including Lesotho. It grows near coasts and in dry inland areas. It lives on dunes and in savanna woodland. It also grows in forests along rivers. Other sites include the edges of roads, railways, and streams. In dry regions, it often grows near waterways.

This shrub stays green all year and grows upright. It forms thick clumps with many thorns. Its roots reach deep and spread over a wide area. Garden plants usually reach 6.6–9.8 feet (2–3 metres) tall. Their usual spread is about 9.8 feet (3 metres). Larger plants can reach 16.4 feet (5 metres) tall and wide. The shrub grows at a moderate rate. Large spines help keep grazing animals out of the bush. Even fallen spines can pierce animals’ feet or coats. These can cause serious wounds.

Birds, insects, and bees help the flowers set fruit through pollination. The plant is self-fertile: it can set fruit alone. The berries start green, then turn bright orange or red. Each measures about 0.4 inches across and keeps its calyx. The calyx is the outer part of the flower. Most berries are round; some have a slight egg shape. Birds and other animals eat them and spread the seeds. Seeds sprout with ease; growers can also raise plants from cuttings. Though wildlife eats the berries, they are not human food.

African boxthorn needs sun and will not grow in shade. It grows in sand, loam, and clay that drain well. It also grows in poor soils and copes with salt. Soils can range from very acid to mildly alkaline. It suits dry or moist ground and withstands drought and heat. It copes well with strong winds. Yet exposed sites by the sea do not suit it. The source gives USDA hardiness zones 8–11.

People plant this shrub as hedges, windbreaks, and for its looks. In its native range, its thorns shield young shrubs from grazing. Its fruit draws birds, which may bring other native seeds. The dense growth gives wildlife a place to shelter. Yet it can spread and become invasive in some regions. It can also reduce grazing land. Its berries, leaves, stems, and roots are toxic to humans. The source lists no uses as medicine. These risks matter when judging its worth in a garden or landscape.