On a rocky outcrop on the banks of the Manyelethi River sits a very interesting tree.
This tree has fascinated me for quite some time now. There may be more impressive trees here but the reason I find this one particularly spectacular is because it is the only one of its kind (that we know of) on the whole of Londolozi.
It is a Shepherd’s Tree, Boscia albitrunca.
The Shepherds Tree on a rocky outcrop along the Manyelethi River
It got its common name from the drier region of its distribution, where herdsmen used to take shelter from the blistering sun in the shade of the tree while they were watching over their sheep, as there generally isn’t much other shade on offer in these arid areas.
The Latin name albitrunca is derived from ‘albi’ which means white or pale and ‘trunca’ which refers to the trunk.
Known to some as the ‘tree of life’, the nutritional value of this tree is held in high regard and provides sustenance to many animals such as birds, monkeys, elephant and baboons. The leaves have a crude protein content of roughly 14.5% as well as a high level of vitamin A, and are fed on by the larvae of two butterflies – the Brown-veined White butterfly and the Queen Purple Tip butterfly. Some animals will even eat the bark as an anthelmintic (to expel any parasitic worms or other internal parasites).
Brown-veined Whites are known for their impressive migration where they always fly in a north-easterly direction. Image captured by A. J. T. Johnsingh
Not only is this tree of great value to animals but it also has many human uses too. The root can be used in many ways – it can be can be eaten raw or cooked much like a vegetable. When ground and roasted, it can be used as a substitute for coffee and when dried, ground and sifted into a flour, it can be eaten as a porridge. To make a sweet drink the outer bark of the root is scraped off and pounded it into a flour which is then boiled until it is a thick sticky substance, then diluted.
Medicinally the root is said to help with the treatment of haemorrhoids and the fruit has been used commercially to aid with the treatment of epilepsy.
The young flower buds can be used as an alternative for capers. Image by David Becking
I have often wondered why this is the only tree of its kind here and I can only guess that because of the great nutritional value that these trees have in general, they are highly sought after by many browsing animals including elephant, kudu, nyala and bush-buck. Sheperds trees are fairly slow growers, and young saplings are very vulnerable during their early years. Most may have not had the chance to grow into a mature tree, whereas this particular tree may have been protected and sheltered by the rocks amongst which it grows.
The view of the Manyelethi river from a rock just next to the Shepherd’s tree
More articles like this from Tayla please
Tayla, I loved all the photo🤗
Thank you Joan.
Fascinating story, thanks for the information, and growing my knowledge about Africa.
Its a pleasure William, I am glad that could help grow your knowledge about Africa.
Such an ancient tree is s real blessing for creatures great and small, and it is a pleasure to see. The world needs trees more than ever everywhere
Thank you for providing such detailed information about this amazing, lonely tree. It is a shame that it’s not been able to reproduce due to the suspected reasons listed by you, but perhaps one day you will find another healthy tree growing strong.
Hi Denise, yes hopefully we will find another healthy tree growing strong somewhere.
Such a lovely story. I am going to ask to see the Tree of Life when I come in November!
Thank you Linda, we look forward to having you in November.
Cool post Tayla, and a what an extraordinary tree indeed! Long may it live and continue to bless the inhabitants of Londolozi!!
Thank you Paul.
So Tayla. You have a mission. Farming more of the shepherds tree’s!
Fascinating Tayla, really loved all the info on the Shepherds Tree. 🙏🏻💗I recall our trip to Madagascar where we saw the last 3 remaining Baobab trees of a particular type in the world. The bird that used to pollinate them no long exists ..sadly I cannot recall its name…but perhaps this may be the case here, where whatever pollinates these trees are in short supply now
Thank you Cally. Yes that could posssible be the case here. What a wonderful trip that must have been but sad that there are so few left
What a lovely tree that is and full of nutrieents for the animals. Beautiful foto’s and lots of information on the sheperd’s tree. Hope at Londolozi they will plant more of that beautiful tree. Good story thank you Tayla.
Thank you Valmai, glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Tayla. A very interesting article indeed – and with the accompanying pics too. Thank you very much! Wendy M
Thank you Wendy.
Absolutely fascinating!