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Wild Pomegranate

Burchellia bubalina

SA tree no: 688

English: Wild Pomegranate, Red-flowered Quince, Buffalo-horn, Red-lips, Natal Wild Pomegranate

Afrikaans: Wildegranaat, Buffelhoring, Rooibessie

Xhosa: iThobankomo

Zulu: isiGolwane

Siswati: maHlosana

Historical scientific names: Cephalanthus bubalinus

Burchellia bubalina, commonly known as Wild Pomegranate or Buffelhoring, is a beautiful indigenous evergreen shrub or small tree. It is highly valued for its attractive, dark green, glossy leaves and, most notably, its striking clusters of tubular, orange-red to scarlet flowers, which resemble small pomegranates and are a magnet for sunbirds.

Wild Pomegranate (Burchellia bubalina)
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Distinguishing features:

Striking clusters of tubular, orange-red to scarlet flowers, often found at the ends of branches.
Flowers have a waxy texture and are slightly swollen at the base.
Leaves are glossy dark green above, paler and somewhat velvety underneath, and typically opposite.
Fruit is a hard, greenish-brown capsule that resembles a small pomegranate.
Attracts sunbirds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Overall appearance:

The Wild Pomegranate (Burchellia bubalina) is a charming evergreen shrub or small tree, presenting a dense, rounded form. Its dark green, glossy foliage provides a lovely backdrop for the star attraction: the vibrant clusters of orange-red, tubular flowers that appear in profusion, giving it a tropical and eye-catching appeal.

Height:

Typically grows 2 to 5 metres tall as a shrub, but can reach up to 8 metres as a small tree.

Width:

Can spread to a width of 1.5 to 4 metres, forming a dense, bushy crown.

Leaves:

The leaves are opposite, simple, oval to elliptical, typically 5-15 cm long and 2-7 cm wide. They are glossy dark green and somewhat leathery on the upper surface, and paler, often finely hairy or velvety, on the underside, with prominent veins. The margins are entire (smooth).

Flowers:

The flowers are distinctive: tubular, waxy, and swollen at the base, flaring slightly at the mouth. They are a brilliant orange-red to scarlet colour, about 2-3 cm long. They are borne in dense, rounded clusters (cymes) at the ends of branches or in leaf axils. The clusters usually contain 5-10 or more flowers. Burchellia bubalina flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts.

Flowering season:

In South Africa, it generally flowers from late winter to early summer (around July to December), with peak flowering in spring.

Fruits:

The fruit is a hard, woody, greenish-brown to blackish, capsule-like structure, roughly spherical or pear-shaped, about 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter. It is distinctly ribbed and resembles a small, unripe pomegranate, hence the common name. The fruit splits open when mature to release numerous seeds.

Seeds:

The seeds are small, flattened, and winged, facilitating wind dispersal.

Bark or Stems:

The bark is smooth and greyish-brown on young branches, becoming darker and slightly fissured with age. The young stems are often reddish and somewhat square in cross-section.

Thorns:

None.

Wood:

The wood is hard, fine-grained, and yellowish. It is not used for large-scale timber but has been traditionally used for small implements, carvings, and as firewood.

Roots:

It has a moderately deep and fibrous root system, which contributes to its hardiness and adaptability.

Soil type:

Prefers well-drained, fertile soils with good organic content. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, but dislikes heavy, waterlogged clay.

Aspect:

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a sheltered position, especially from very strong winds, but can tolerate some exposure. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular watering, especially in dry periods. It is moderately frost-tolerant, particularly when mature, though young plants may need protection from severe frost.

Ediblity:

The fruit is generally considered non-edible for humans due to its hard, dry, and unpalatable nature, despite its resemblance to a pomegranate.

Toxicity:

Considered non-toxic.

Uses:

An exceptionally popular ornamental plant for gardens, valued for its beautiful foliage, striking flowers, and attraction of birds. It is excellent as a feature plant, informal hedge, screen, background plant, or planted in groups in mixed borders. Its dense growth provides good privacy. It is often used in indigenous and bird-friendly gardens.

Ecology:

The vibrant, nectar-rich, tubular flowers are a primary food source for sunbirds, which are crucial pollinators for this species. Bees and other insects may also visit the flowers. The dense foliage and structure provide excellent nesting sites and shelter for a variety of small birds. The fruits may be eaten by some animals, which can aid in seed dispersal.

Distribution and habitat:

Burchellia bubalina is indigenous to the eastern and southern parts of South Africa, including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. It extends further north into tropical Africa. It typically grows in forest margins, open woodlands, scrub, and rocky hillsides, often in sheltered valleys and along stream banks, from coastal regions to higher altitudes.

Derivation of name:

The genus name Burchellia honours William John Burchell (1781-1863), a renowned English explorer, naturalist, and artist who extensively collected plants in South Africa.
The species name bubalina is derived from "bubalus," Latin for "buffalo," and "bovina," referring to cattle, likely due to the resemblance of the paired, ripe fruit to small buffalo horns or the shape of a buffalo's head, hence the common name "Buffalo-horn."
Common names like "Wild Pomegranate" refer to the fruit's resemblance to a small pomegranate.

Historical aspects:

As a widely distributed indigenous plant, Burchellia bubalina has been a part of South Africa's natural heritage for a long time. Its beauty and its attraction to sunbirds have made it a favourite in gardens and landscapes. The traditional common names reflect observations of its appearance and associated animals. Its consistent popularity highlights its resilience and aesthetic appeal within diverse South African ecosystems.

Interesting facts:

This plant is a sunbird's favourite restaurant! Its bright orange-red flowers are perfectly shaped for sunbirds to dip their long beaks in for a sweet nectar treat.
Its fruit looks like tiny, hard pomegranates – but don't try to eat them! They're not for human snacking.
The "bubalina" in its name comes from the word "buffalo," supposedly because the fruit looks a bit like tiny buffalo horns.
It's an evergreen, so it keeps its lovely green leaves all year round, even when it's not flowering.

Growing tips:

Propagation: Best propagated from fresh seed, which should be cleaned of its fleshy coating. Can also be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings.
Planting: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, particularly for the first year to establish. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
Frost Protection: Moderately frost-tolerant. Young plants may need protection from severe frost.
Maintenance: Low maintenance. Can be pruned to shape or to encourage bushier growth. Pruning after flowering can promote a denser habit.