blinkblaar-wag-‘n-bietjie
umphafa, umlahlankosi, isilahla
umphafa
Ziziphus mucronata is a hardy, drought-resistant, deciduous tree or shrub, 3 – 12 meters tall, with zigzag branches, dual thorns (one straight, one hooked), and shiny, green, alternate leaves. It produces small, yellowish-green, fragrant flowers in clusters, followed by small, brown to reddish, edible fruits. The tree is widespread in savannas, woodlands, open scrubland, rocky koppies, and along streams.
Leaves and fruit are eaten by birds, wild animals, and domestic stock. Giraffes, kudu, and elephants browse the leaves, while the fruits are consumed by birds, monkeys, and people. The tree forms dense thickets, providing shelter and nesting for birds and small mammals, and stabilizes soil in floodplains and riverbanks.
Small, fragrant, yellowish-green flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Fruits are edible, nutritious, and dispersed by animals and birds.
Fruits are a key food source for many bird species; dense growth offers nesting and cover.
Sow fresh seeds in sandy or loamy soil; germinates readily.
Not commonly used; seed propagation preferred.
Fruits eaten fresh or dried; bark and roots used in traditional medicine; wood used for tools and fencing.
Leaves and fruit browsed by livestock and wild herbivores, especially during drought.
Not known to be toxic.
Excellent for soil stabilization, erosion control, hedging, and supporting biodiversity in restoration projects.