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

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References and further reading

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

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

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

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

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

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