Lycium ferocissimum, commonly known as the African Boxthorn, is a fascinating and complex plant with a rich history and a wide range of characteristics. A member of the Solanaceae family, it shares a lineage with other well-known plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, and nightshades. While its thorny nature and invasive tendencies have made it a nuisance in some parts of the world, a deeper look reveals its unique biology, traditional uses, and ecological role. This comprehensive exploration will delve into its various names, physical attributes, potential healing properties, and the diverse ways it interacts with both human and natural environments.
Names in Different Countries
The common names for Lycium ferocissimum often reflect its geographical origin or its prominent physical features, particularly its thorns.
English: African Boxthorn. The name "boxthorn" is a general term for plants in the genus Lycium that have a thorny, box-like appearance. The "African" prefix specifies its native continent.
Afrikaans: Kriedoring. This name is derived from the Afrikaans words for "chalk" (kruit) and "thorn" (doring), likely referring to the whitish or chalky appearance of its stems and thorns.
Synonyms: The plant has also been scientifically known by other names, including Lycium campanulatum E.Mey. ex C.H.Wright and Lycium macrocalyx Dammer. These synonyms highlight the historical confusion and reclassification that often occur in botanical science, as different botanists describe and name the same species independently.
Terminology
Botanical Classification: Lycium ferocissimum Miers. The "Miers" refers to John Miers, the botanist who first formally described this species.
Family: Solanaceae. This is the nightshade or potato family, a large and economically important family of flowering plants.
Synonyms: Lycium campanulatum E.Mey. ex C.H.Wright, Lycium campanulatum E. Mey. ex C. H. Wr., Lycium macrocalyx Dammer. These are alternative scientific names that have been used for the species at different times.
Availability
Lycium ferocissimum is native to southern Africa, specifically countries like South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. However, its hardiness and ability to spread have led to its introduction and subsequent naturalization in many other parts of the world, where it is often considered an invasive species.
Native Range: It is abundant in coastal and arid regions of its native Southern Africa.
Invasive Presence: It has established itself as a significant weed in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the United States (California). In these regions, it can be found in a variety of habitats, including coastal dunes, grasslands, and disturbed areas.
Commercial Availability: Due to its invasive nature and lack of widespread commercial use, it is not a common plant to find in nurseries or for sale. The focus is often on control and eradication rather than cultivation.
External Look
The African Boxthorn is a formidable-looking shrub, designed by nature to protect itself.
Size and Structure: It is a large, dense, and thorny shrub, capable of reaching heights of up to 5 meters (16 ft). Its branches are rigid and intertwining, forming an impenetrable thicket.
Thorns: The most distinguishing feature is its spines. These are rigid, woody, and very sharp, often appearing on the ends of the branches. They are a significant deterrent to both animals and humans.
Leaves: The leaves are relatively small, oval in shape, and typically grow in clusters along the stems. They are 10–40 millimeters (0.39–1.57 in) long and 4–10 millimeters (0.16–0.39 in) wide.
Flowers: The solitary flowers emerge from the leaf axils. They are small and trumpet-shaped, with a purplish or light lavender color, often fading to white as they mature. The flowers are a source of nectar for insects.
Fruit: The plant produces small, round berries that are red or orange when ripe. These berries are an important food source for birds, which in turn helps to disperse the seeds, contributing to the plant's spread.
Healing Properties
While Lycium ferocissimum is not a primary medicinal plant, the genus Lycium is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly Lycium barbarum (Goji berry). Research into the specific medicinal uses of Lycium ferocissimum is limited compared to its more famous cousin. However, given its familial ties, some traditional and potential uses have been noted.
Antioxidant Properties: Like many plants in the Lycium genus, its berries and leaves may contain antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Traditional Uses: In some indigenous African communities, certain parts of the plant may have been used in traditional medicine, but detailed documentation is scarce. The berries, though often considered unpalatable to humans, are believed to have some nutritional value.
Potential for Research: The presence of alkaloids and other phytochemicals in the Solanaceae family suggests that Lycium ferocissimum could be a subject of future pharmacological research, but at present, it is not a recognized or safe source for herbal remedies. Caution is advised, as many plants in this family contain toxic compounds.
Advantages
Despite its reputation as an invasive weed, Lycium ferocissimum does have some notable advantages and uses, particularly in its native habitat.
Ecological Role: In its native ecosystem, it provides a dense, protective habitat for a variety of small animals, including birds and reptiles, shielding them from predators and harsh environmental conditions.
Erosion Control: Its extensive root system helps to stabilize soil, making it useful for preventing erosion in arid and coastal environments.
Drought Tolerance: The plant is extremely hardy and drought-tolerant, capable of thriving in harsh, water-scarce conditions where other plants would fail.
Hedgerow and Barrier Plant: Its thorny and dense nature makes it an excellent choice for creating impenetrable fences or security barriers. This has been a traditional use in its native regions.
Uses
The uses of Lycium ferocissimum are primarily practical rather than medicinal or culinary.
Security Barrier: Its most significant use is as a natural security barrier. Planting it as a hedge can create an almost impassable fence, deterring both animals and intruders.
Horticultural Use: In some landscapes, it is used for its ornamental value, particularly in xeriscaping (landscaping that requires little or no irrigation) where its hardiness is a benefit.
Food for Wildlife: The berries are a food source for birds, which play a crucial role in seed dispersal. In its native habitat, it supports local wildlife populations.
Using Way
Due to its thorns and potential for invasiveness, Lycium ferocissimum requires careful management and should not be handled without proper protection.
Planting: If planted for a specific purpose (e.g., a security hedge), it should be done with extreme caution to prevent it from escaping cultivation and becoming a weed. In many regions, its planting is prohibited or strictly controlled.
Harvesting: The berries, while eaten by birds, are generally not consumed by humans. The thorns make any form of harvesting difficult and risky.
Medicinal Preparation: There is no established safe way to use this plant for medicinal purposes. Unlike the Goji berry, Lycium ferocissimum is not a common herb, and its chemical composition and potential toxicity are not well-researched. Therefore, it should not be ingested or used in any form of herbal remedy.
Conclusion
Lycium ferocissimum, the African Boxthorn, is a plant of contradictions. It is a vital part of its native ecosystem, providing food and shelter for wildlife and serving practical human uses. However, its resilience and aggressive growth have made it a notorious invasive species in other parts of the world, where it outcompetes native flora and forms dense, thorny thickets. While it shares a family and genus with the popular Goji berry, it is not a safe or recognized source of herbal medicine and should not be used for that purpose. Its primary value lies in its physical properties: its extreme hardiness, drought tolerance, and ability to form an almost impenetrable barrier. This plant serves as a powerful reminder of the double-edged sword of nature, where a species that is beneficial in its native habitat can become a destructive force when introduced elsewhere.
