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Buffalo Thorn Zizphus mucronata
- This is a deciduous tree, which grows upto 17m
tall.
- They are found from Arabia to the Western Cape.
- The bark is rough and is dark grey to brown
in colour.
- The flowers are silvery green in colour, found
in dense bunches amongst the leaves.
- Flowers can be found between October to April,
with fruit being found from Febuary to August.
- The thorns are found in pairs on the branches,
one thorn being straight with one hooked.
- In certain cases adult trees may loose their
thorns completely.
- The flowers attract a lot of insects.
- Branches are used for protection of cattle kraal
and sometimes the graves of dead tribal members.
- The wood is used for implements and fuel.
- The leaves bark and roots are used medicinally
and magically for pain relief to respiratory complaints and skin infections.
- The leaves if crushed may be used to stop bleeding.
Certain tribes believe the tree is safe to use
as a shelter against lightning.
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