Boscia albitrunca, commonly known as the Shepherd’s tree or ‘Tree of Life,’ holds ecological, cultural, and medicinal significance in southern Africa. This versatile tree benefits both humans and animals. You can prepare a flavorful porridge from its unroasted roots or brew them into a drink or beer. The Shepherd’s tree grows across Limpopo, Gauteng, North-West, Swaziland, the Free State, Northern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

This small to medium-sized tree typically reaches about 7 meters in height under optimal conditions. It has a dense, round-to-spreading crown. The bark starts smooth and whitish-grey, eventually becoming dark grey and flaky as the tree matures. Its leathery, grey-green leaves cluster with rounded tips. In spring, fragrant, yellowish-green flowers bloom, followed by smooth, yellowish fruits.

The Shepherd’s tree is a protected species in South Africa. It grows well in sandy to loamy soils, often found in dry open woodlands. The tree adapts well to arid conditions, high summer temperatures, and occasional frost.

When planting the Shepherd’s tree as a shade tree in gardens, place it away from buildings and underground utilities due to its invasive root system. Its growth habits differ from those in the wild, so regular pruning is necessary to maintain a neat and attractive crown.