Boscia mossambicensis

Boscia mossambicensis Klotzsch

Common names

Broad leaved shepherd’s tree (English); nfibanda (Nyanja); nyavwanda (Tumbuka).

General description and distinguishing characteristics

An evergreen much branched shrub or small tree up to 6 m tall, Boscia mossambicensis is recognised by its very dark green, stiff leaves. Like Boscia angustifolia, it stands out in the dry season because it remains in leaf. Bark dark grey-brown, smoothish. Young branches have a yellowish tinge. Leaves simple, alternate, 3-8 x 1.5-3.5 cm, leathery, dark green above, lighter below, oblong-lanceolate or obovate. The leaf apex is tipped with a sharp point. Petiole up to 8 mm long. Flowers 2-3 cm in diameter, sepals green (without petals) and with 15-40 stamens. Produced in terminal spikes or racemes each with around 20 flowers (April-July). Fruit ovoid, 2 cm in diameter, ripening yellowish to red (July-September).

Range and habitat

Boscia mossambicensis occurs from Tanzania and DR Congo southwards into Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland. In the valley Boscia mossambicensis is found in mixed alluvial thicket, Combretum thicket and Mopane woodland and scrub.