Sicklebush

Sekelbos · Dichrostachys cinerea

A very common, fast-spreading bush that often thickens up disturbed or overgrazed ground. Its curly, twisted pods hang in dense clusters through the dry season.

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How to identify it

A thorny shrub or small tree with fine, feathery leaves and stiff spine-tipped side branches. The two-tone hanging flower spikes look like little Chinese lanterns, mauve-pink on top and yellow below.

Flowers & fruit

Summer (roughly Oct-Feb), with fragrant two-tone lantern-like spikes

Browsed by

Heavily browsed by kudu, giraffe, impala and elephant; the nutritious curled pods are eaten by many animals in the dry season.

Where to see it in Kruger

Common throughout the park, especially in disturbed and overgrazed bushveld where it can form dense thickets.

Did you know

The dangling bicoloured flower spikes give it the name Chinese lantern tree, and the protein-rich pods are valuable dry-season food for game and stock.

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