Green Thorn Tree

Afrikaans name: Groendoring

Green Thorn

Photo © Steven Herbert

Balanites maughamii

The Green Thorn is a large tree that can grow to a height of 20 metres or more.

The fruits of the Green Thorn are particularly oily and can be eaten. Sometimes there is an oily smell near the tree and this comes from the fallen fruits. A variety of mammals eat the fruits. These include Kudu, Impala, Vervet Monkey and Chacma Baboon.

The Green Thorn is particularly common is sandy areas along the east coast of South Africa.

As its name suggests the throns of this tree are predominantly green with brown tips.

Above - Green Thorn

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 407

Whats that Tree? - Author: Eugene Moll - Published: 2011 - Page: 53

Trees of Kruger - Author: Braam and Piet van Wyk - Published: 2023 - Page: 39

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 182

Game Ranger in your Backpack - Author: Megan Emmett and Sean Pattrick - Published: 2013 - Page: 259

Healing Trees & Plants of the Lowveld - Author: Dumes, Loon and Bester - Published: 2009 - Page: 15

Sappi Tree Spotting: Lowveld - Author: Jacana - Published: 1997 - Page: 124

Piet van Wyks Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 1st edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 1988 - Page: 101

Photographic Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Author: B, P, and B-E van Wyk - Published: 2000 - Page: 60

A site-by-site guide to trees in the Kruger National Park - Author: Marissa Greeff - Published: 2017 - Page: 82

Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 5th edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2008 - Page: 101

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Revised - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 168

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1977 - Page: 153

For more info: SANBI

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