Ziziphus mucronata, known as the buffalo thorn, is a species of tree in the family Rhamnaceae, native to southern Africa.

The bark is a red-brown (on young stems) or roughly mottled grey, cracked in small rectangular blocks revealing a stringy red underbark.

The fruit vary in size but regionally may grow larger than grape, and ripen to a deep brown-red colour.

From October to April the greenish yellow flowers with silvery sheen are found in dense bunches in the axils of the leaves.

Certain tribes believe the tree is safe to use as a shelter against lightning, and it may be planted as a grave marker for a deceased chief.

A blend made from the roots is used as a painkiller and for dysentery while the bark and leaves are used for respiratory ailments and sepsis on the skin.

The leaves bark and roots are used medicinally and magically for pain relief, respiratory complaints and skin infections, especially for chest and stomach disorders.

A family member will go to the place where death occurred carrying a branch of the buffalo thorn which the spirit is able to hold onto.