Page 30 - feb21

our trees

Stink Shepherd’s Tree, Mopipi, Boscia foetida subsp. rehmanniana,
A small tree found in the drier parts of the country, and in areas of low rainfall. It is
evergreen, frost hardy, drought resistant, and a source of food for insects, animals and
humans. In appearance Boscia foetida is similar to the Shepherd’s tree, Boscia albitrunca,
although Boscia foetida can be identified by its smaller leaves, clustered around the
branches, and hairy fruit in comparison to the Shepherd tree’s smooth skinned fruit.
It is known for the particularly unpleasant smell of its flowers which appear during early
spring, to which its specific name foetida alludes. Although bees don’t appear to find the
smell offensive, and are often found pollinating the flowers. The flowers and fruits are
usually a lifesaver for many creatures, coming at a time when there is not much food or
nectar about. Its freshly cut wood apparently also has an unpleasant smell, and has
traditional medicinal and magical uses, for instance as protection against lightning.

It is a slow-growing tree, but will grow much faster if watered during our hot summers,
and is suitable for small gardens. It is especially good in gardens where termites are a
problem. It does well on poor soils, and is usually found in rocky areas. It is also loved by
a variety of birds, and so makes an attractive feature in the garden as well.
Text & Photos: by S C

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