Ziziphus mucronata aka Buffalo Thorn

Ziziphus mucronata is known as buffalo thorn or Cape thorn. It belongs to the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae. Its native range covers tropical and southern Africa, plus Madagascar. It grows in dry savannah and open scrub. It also occurs in woodland, forest edges, and riverside vegetation. This species suits the dry tropics and subtropics.

This fast-growing plant forms a thorny shrub or tree. It sheds its leaves. Reported usual heights reach 23–30 feet (7–9 metres). Exceptional trees reach about 98 feet (30 metres). The trunk often bends, and branches spread or droop. Each thorn pair has one straight thorn and one hooked thorn. These thorns help make it useful as a hedge. People grow it and also gather material from wild plants.

Bees pollinate the flowers. The round fruit measures about half to three-quarters of an inch across. Its thin flesh has a mealy texture and mild sweetness. People eat the fruit fresh, cooked, or dried. They also grind dried fruit and mix it with grains for porridge. Young leaves can be cooked as greens. The source calls them nutritious but not very pleasant to eat. Roasted, crushed seeds serve as a coffee substitute. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. That does not establish safety for every use or animal.

Grow buffalo thorn in full sun. It accepts many soil types and tolerates a broad pH range. Its preferred pH runs from 5.5 to 8. Established plants withstand drought, salt spray, and some salt in soil. It tolerates heat and at least some frost. The evidence gives no precise winter hardiness rating. Seeds usually sprout within two to three weeks after preparation. Young plants develop long taproots, which need care during transplanting. Root suckers offer another way to raise plants.

The hard, tough wood bends well and has many practical uses. People use it for poles, fences, bows, fuel, and charcoal. Thorny branches also form livestock enclosures. The wood resists termites but does not last well underground. Bark provides tannin, while seeds serve as beads for rosaries. Traditional medicine uses roots, leaves, and bark for several complaints. These recorded uses do not prove that treatments work or are safe.