I have a favourite book at our lodge in Royal Jozini, called “If Trees Could Talk” a guide by Megan Emmett. Not only does it give leaves, bark, flowers and fruit of all the bushveld trees, but is interwoven by stories of her encounters. Through it we have identified so many varieties of trees here – from all the spiky thorns, to wild seringas, the marulas, wild plums and tree wisterias, knob thorns and cork bushes, to name a few.
On our list of trees that are here in Royal Jozini, is the Buffalo Thorn – but I have yet to find it! It is listed as an endangered tree in Eswatini, so I am glad that it is here, being protected. I thought I would share with you some of the amazing things about it!
It is often seen as a symbol of resilience and protection. The Buffalo Thorn is an excellent natural perimeter barrier, as its thorns are densely concentrated on young shoots, creating a formidable defence. These thorns are uniquely structured – one pointing forward and the other backward – making them difficult to untangle and providing an effective deterrent against both intruders and grazing animals. This distinctive thorn arrangement adds to the tree’s resilience, offering both protection and an impenetrable barrier in the wild.
Historically, the Zulu people planted a Buffalo Thorn on the grave of a deceased chief as a symbolic marker, signifying the chief’s final resting place. This gave rise to the Zulu name “umLahlankosi,” meaning “that which buries the chief.” Even today, a branch of the Buffalo Thorn plays a key role in a deeply meaningful ritual to help guide the spirit of the departed. A family member journeys to the site where the death occurred, carrying a branch of the tree. The spirit is believed to grasp the branch, and the family member then returns it to the homestead, where the spirit is given a new resting place. During this journey, the carrier never looks back, maintaining a respectful focus on the path ahead. They will purchase two seats on a bus or taxi to transport the spirit, and communicate with the deceased throughout the journey, explaining each step. For example, if crossing a river, the carrier might say, “We are now crossing the river, but don’t worry – we’ll get a lift on the other side.” This profound practice underscores the Buffalo Thorn’s symbolic connection to both life and death in Zulu culture.
In customs surrounding death, when a stock owner passed away and was buried according to tradition within the cattle or goat kraal, branches of the Buffalo Thorn were placed on the grave. This ritual allowed the animals to nibble on the leaves and twigs, symbolically informing them of their master’s death.
Elsewhere, the tree is used in protective rituals, where a branch is dragged around the village to ward off evil spirits. It is believed that the presence of the Buffalo Thorn serves as a powerful deterrent, keeping malevolent forces at bay and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
Buffalo Thorn: The Endangered Tree with a Tough Name and an Important Future
Part 2 of my expose on the Buffalo Thorn!
The Buffalo Thorn (Ziziphus Mucronata) is an iconic and ecologically essential species in Southern Africa. It is a striking tree known for its sharp, dual thorns, which is given its name due to its resemblance to a buffalo’s horns, and its small, leathery leaves. It provides food for a variety of herbivores, including elephants, giraffes, and antelope, who feed on its leaves, bark, and greenish-yellow fruit. Its small, edible fruit, though not particularly palatable to humans, is enjoyed by birds and small mammals. The tree’s ability to support such a wide range of species highlights its ecological importance in sustaining local biodiversity. The tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and is found in dry savannahs, woodlands, and rocky hillsides across Southern Africa. While it is tough and adaptable in nature, the Buffalo Thorn is becoming increasingly and alarmingly endangered due to several reasons such as habitat destruction, climate change, over-grazing and other pressures that are human – induced.
Medicinal Benefits
The Buffalo Thorn also shines with its various Medicinal Capabilities, making it a beneficial tool to have when certain ailments arise – Call it Nature’s cure at its finest!
A medicinal blend/cure that is made from the roots of this powerful tree is used as a painkiller and for dysentery while the bark and leaves are used for respiratory ailments and sepsis on the skin. A mixture of the roots and leaves of this tree will form a paste that treats boils, sores and swelling. The medicinal benefit of this may be attributed to the peptide alkaloids and antifungals that are isolated from the bark and leaves.
The magic found within the leaves, bark and roots of this phenomenal tree are used for many medicinal reasons such as pain relief, respiratory ailments, skin infections and is especially helpful for chest and stomach disorders. The leaves, when crushed, can be applied to wounds as a natural remedy to help stop bleeding. Steam infusions made from the bark are traditionally used to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin, promoting a clearer and more radiant complexion.
I am so glad that, despite being endangered in Eswatini, the Buffalo Thorn is here at Royal Jozini!
If you would like to come and see some of the amazing trees at Royal Jozini, do have a look at www.royaljozini.africa
