2017’s Trees of the Year
Once established, even the rarest of trees can define your garden for decades
Every year, two trees are named as Tree of the Year – One common and one rare species.
In 2017, South Africans will celebrate the ebony tree (Euclea pseudebenus) as the rare tree and buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronata) as the common tree.
Ebony tree
At a glance
Positions: Full sun.
Plant: Early spring.
Water: Drought resistant. Water once a week if planted in loamy clay or once every two weeks in sandy soil.
Size: 3–10 metres
Frost tolerance: Young plants are vulnerable to frost, so should be protected.
This shrub-like evergreen attracts birds, butterflies and bees. Its large drooping branches, hang like a skirt around the stem, offering much sought-after shade.
The tree has long, and narrow blue-green leaves and its cream-coloured flowers appear between winter and spring. In late summer the green berry fruits turn black when ripe.
Interesting uses
In traditional medicine, the roots are used for treating toothache and headaches and the ripe fruits are also edible and have an astringent, sweet taste.
Buffalo Thorn (or Hairy Buffalo Thorn) Ziziphus mucronata
At a glance
Positions: Lives happily in sun, shade and semi-shade.
Water: Water regularly until established. Water and efficient drainage are essential for seedlings.
Size: 3–10 metres
Frost tolerance: Very hardy and mostly frost resistant
Also known as a blinkblaar-wag-‘n-bietjie, the tree does well in the summer rainfall areas of sub-Saharan Africa.
The tree can be shaped as a medium shrub or left to develop into a tree. With their large thorny extensive branches, they make good hedges and natural walls. Their height provides good nesting positions for birds such as weavers.
The ovate leaves are glossy green, turning golden yellow in autumn. Their greenish yellow flowers emerge in dense clusters in early summer.
A carpet of the hard seeds is often found underneath the tree.
In Zulu culture, it is used in burial rites and is known to be planted on the graves of chiefs.
Interesting uses
The hairy buffalo thorn’s antifungal properties are widely used for medicinal purposes, such as treating stomach ailments, skin ulcers, chest problems, glandular swellings and many types of pain. Its fruits are edible, and its seeds are traditionally roasted as a coffee substitute.
Read more in the original Garden and Home article
