African boxthorn
Lycium ferocissimum

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A densely branched shrub. It grows 3-4 m high. It is very spiny. The main branches are drooping. The branches spread out at wide angles. The branches usually end in a spine. The small branches carry small shoots with a cluster of leaves. The leaves are bright green and slightly fleshy. They are broad and oval and rounded at the tip but tapering at the base. They are 10-30 mm long and 4 mm wide. The flowers are pale lilac or white. They occur singly or in pairs on short shoots. The fruit is an orange-red berry. It hangs down.

There are about 100 Lycium species. It can become a weed problem in some locations.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It can grow on acid or alkaline soils. It is often in rocky crevices or rocky knobs. It grows easily in higher rainfall areas. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Europe, Greece, Mediterranean, Norfolk Island, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The fruit although eaten are suspected of having narcotic effects.

Edible parts

Fruit, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Umbhovu

Synonyms

Lycium campanulatum E. Mey. ex C. H. Wright; Lycium macrocalyx Domin;