Family: Solanaceae
Author: Miers
Bibliography: Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 2, 14: 187 (1854)
Year: 1854
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lycium
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Africa
Description
African boxthorn, faithfully known by its scientific title, Lycium ferocissimum, is a remarkable species of the Solanaceae family. Described in 1854 by Miers in the renowned Annals and Magazine of Natural History, this resilient plant traces its origins to the diverse ecosystems of South Africa.
Characterized by its tough and spiny nature, the African boxthorn is a testament to the enduring flora of its native land. It is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions, where it thrives despite harsh conditions. The plant’s woody structure and thorny branches make it recognizable and particularly formidable. Adapted to its environment, the African boxthorn grows into dense thickets, which serve as a protective habitat for various wildlife species.
The African boxthorn’s foliage consists of simple, yet robust leaves, while its small, tubular flowers add a delicate contrast to its otherwise rugged appearance. These blooms eventually give way to bright red or orange berries, contributing a splash of color to the African landscapes it populates. Despite its beauty, the plant’s spiny thorns can pose challenges to both animals and humans who venture too close.
In addition to its ecological role, the African boxthorn has sparked interest due to its potential uses. Historically, it has been utilized in traditional medicine and for creating natural hedges that can effectively deter livestock due to its thorny density. However, due to its invasive nature outside its native range, it requires careful management in regions where it has been introduced to prevent it from overpowering local vegetation.
The African boxthorn stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptability, mirroring the hardy spirit of South Africa’s flora. For botanists and plant enthusiasts around the world, it remains a subject of continued interest and study.
Common Names
Eng: african boxthorn
En: African boxthorn, Box thorn, Cape boxthorn
Af: Kriedoring, Slangbessie
Synonyms
- Lycium campanulatum (E.Mey. ex C.H.Wright)
- Lycium macrocalyx (Dammer)
Distribution
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Free State (native)
- Lesotho (native)
- Algeria (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Cyprus (introduced)
- Morocco (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- Norfolk Is. (introduced)
- Northern Territory (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Tunisia (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jan 3, 2021 by enka55 enka55 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Ugo Baer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Guiu Asbert (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 9, 2021 by elhabib Khallouqi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 14, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2019 by Brett Bissell someguy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2021 by julie ann balagot (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Annick Peltier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2022 by Joce Guigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2022 by Romain Legoupil (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2021 by Seifeddine Zouari (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Annick Peltier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 13, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Patrick Leboulenger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 11, 2021 by El Σinani Muha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Annick Peltier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2022 by Seán Ó Caithniadh (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 30, 2022 by Jacques Fortin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 18, 2021 by Pascal DUPUIS (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 25, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3797394)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:816442-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lycium ferocissimum Miers)
Specifications
Growth habit: Shrub