During 2006 when our lodge was being built there were a few beautiful Shepherds Trees growing just outside the property perimeter. They had been growing there for hundreds of years. A call was made to honor these magnificent trees and name the lodge Shepherds Tree Game Lodge. But alas, the name had already been taken. The original owners now had to find a suitable alternative. Our plot of land was inspected, and it was noticed that it had an astonishing number of Buffalo Thorn trees. After further inspection we realised that we had one of the highest densities of Buffalo Thorn trees in the whole of the Pilanesberg National Park. Hence our exciting piece of the African bushveld was called Buffalo Thorn Lodge. From one of our two decks you can peer right into the canopy of one of these awesome trees.
This month, we’re spotlighting the incredible trees surrounding Buffalo Thorn Lodge. Apart from Buffalo Thorn trees, we have many others e.g. Marula trees, Weeping Wattles and Shepherd’s trees to name just a few. Each species holds unique cultural, historical and ecological significance.
The Buffalo Thorn Tree: An Ancient Protector
At Buffalo Thorn Lodge, the buffalo thorn (or *Ziziphus mucronata*) isn’t just our name—it’s a defining feature of our location. Found around the lodge grounds, this tree has deep roots in both nature and African culture. One interesting belief about the Buffalo Thorn is its alleged immunity to lightning, a reputation that’s rooted in tradition and folklore, making it a revered presence in areas prone to storms. Locals joke that Buffalo Thorn Lodge has never been struck by lightning—a testament, perhaps, to the tree’s supposed protective nature.
In African culture, the Buffalo Thorn is used in rituals to honour and remember ancestors. Branches are placed on graves, symbolizing safe passage to the afterlife. This ancient ritual reflects the tree’s longstanding role as a guardian, not just of the land but of spiritual continuity. The tree’s name, they say, comes from its connection with buffalo behaviour: a buffalo, when cornered by predators, might back into the thorny branches to protect itself, leaving fewer angles open for attack.
Anyone who’s spent time around a Buffalo Thorn tree knows its thorny embrace all too well. It’s also known as “blinkblaar-wag-‘n-bietjie” in Afrikaans, meaning “shiny leaf wait-a-bit,” a name that comes from the sharp double thorns that latch onto anything in their path. If you’ve been snagged by a these thorns, you’ll quickly learn that the only way to escape is the same way you went in—a lesson in patience and respect for nature’s defences.
Marula: The Tree of Life
The Marula tree (*Sclerocarya birrea*) stands proudly on the lodge grounds, bearing fruit that has left its mark on African wildlife, culture, and cuisine. While the world might recognize marula for the famous Amarula liqueur, this tree’s influence stretches far beyond the bottle. For animals, especially elephants, marula is a feast waiting to happen. Elephants are known to seek out marula fruit, relishing the sweet, tangy flavor that’s said to have an almost “catnip” effect on them. Many lodges in areas with high elephant density have marulas as centrepieces—sometimes to the lodge’s detriment as elephants can be quite insistent!
The Marula’s fruit isn’t just prized by wildlife; local communities in South Africa and Zimbabwe use it to make a traditional, fizzy “beer.” This drink, both bitter and zesty, is a staple at gatherings and celebrations. And beyond its use as food and drink, the Marula tree is also a favorite for leopards, who often choose its branches to lounge in or stash their prey. Every time we spot a Marula, it’s worth a closer look—there might just be a leopard hidden among its horizontal branches.
The Weeping Wattle: Nature’s Misunderstood Native
The weeping wattle (*Peltophorum africanum*) is often mistaken for an invasive species due to its name, but it’s very much a native African tree. Unlike the more problematic Black Wattle, the Weeping Wattle is well-suited to our ecosystem, providing valuable resources for both animals and insects. Its name might lead one to think it’s due to the tree’s slightly drooping leaves under the hot sun, but there’s another, quirkier reason: if you stand beneath a weeping wattle, you might feel tiny droplets of moisture. This “weeping” effect comes from spittlebugs that feed on the tree, expelling excess moisture that falls like raindrops.
Leopards also seem to have an affinity for the Weeping Wattle, with its branch structure providing a perfect spot for resting or hiding prey. The horizontal arrangement and spread of its branches make it a natural platform for these agile predators. Watching a leopard recline in a Weeping Wattle, you gain a real appreciation for the synergy between predator and habitat.
The Shepherd’s Tree: An Ancient Sentinel
Known as the Matlopi in Tswana, the Shepherd’s Tree (*Boscia albitrunca*) is sometimes called the “wise old man” of the African bush. Resilient and timeless, some of the Shepherd’s trees in our reserve are believed to be up to 800 years old, a true testament to their durability. What makes these trees especially remarkable is their ability to survive in some of the harshest conditions. A Shepherd’s Tree can endure drought and arid soils due to its deep taproot system, which can reach depths of up to 85 meters. This adaptation allows it to access water sources far below the surface, placing it in a class with the Camelthorn trees of the Kalahari.
The tree’s name comes from its role in providing shade for shepherds and farmers across Africa’s arid regions, offering a small oasis of relief from the relentless sun. At Black Rhino, Shepherd’s trees have an additional claim to fame: they are favourite nesting spots for hornbills. These iconic birds make use of the tree’s natural cavities, adding yet another layer of life to its branches.
At Buffalo Thorn Lodge, the trees that dot our landscape aren’t just scenery; they are active participants in the rich web of life that surrounds us. From the cultural legacy of the Buffalo Thorn to the wildlife magnetism of the Marula, each tree is a testament to nature’s ingenuity and endurance. So, next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate the trees—they hold the stories of the land as much as any animal, if not more.