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21 guidesBlack Jack
Black Jack (Scientific name: Bidens pilosa) It’s a common plant in our Namibian farms and is often looked at as a weed, but today I believe you will be happy when you come across it in your farms. Black Jack is an antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and anticancer herb. Good for both humans and livestock. […]
Marama – Huilboerboon
The Huilboerboon: A Treasure of Namibia’s Arid Landscape The Huilboerboon, scientifically known as Tylosema esculentum, is a resilient and unique plant native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Southern Africa, particularly thriving in Namibia, Botswana, and parts of South Africa. Known for its drought-resistant properties, this plant is an essential component of both local […]
Kalahari Melon (Tsjammas) – A Namibian Treasure for Food, Oil and Income
Introduction The Kalahari Melon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides)—known locally in Namibia as Tsjammas, Tsamma, or wild watermelon—is more than just a fruit of the wild. It is a plant of ancient heritage, drought resilience, and economic promise. Once overlooked as a subsistence food or livestock supplement, this underutilised crop is emerging as a commercially viable […]
Kiwano: learning from Namibia’s horned melon growers
Kiwano or horned melon, Cucumis metuliferus, is an African climbing crop with a spiny fruit and jelly-like interior.
Poisonous veld plants and hay: identify the plant before feeding
When a suspected poisonous plant is mixed with grazing or hay, drying is not a reliable safety test. Stop using the suspect feed, identify the plant and speak to a veterinarian. If animals are ill, seek veterinary help promptly rather than waiting for an online identification.
Wild tamarisk: recognise Tamarix usneoides before planting
Tamarix usneoides is a southern African tamarisk associated with dry and saline environments. It deserves a place in local tree learning, but the name “tamarisk” also covers introduced species and hybrids. Identification comes before a planting recommendation.
Shepherd’s tree: value the Boscia albitrunca already in the landscape
Boscia albitrunca, often called shepherd’s tree or witgat, is a characteristic tree of dry southern African landscapes. Existing trees can provide shade, habitat and browse while anchoring a locally meaningful planting plan.
Bird plum: a locally valued fruit tree for a suitable site
Bird plum is a southern African fruit tree worth considering where local examples show that it can thrive. Its older name, Berchemia discolor, remains common in nursery and reference material; Kew now accepts Phyllogeiton discolor. Keep both names in your planting records.
Sourplums: identify your Ximenia and learn from local plants
Sourplums can contribute fruit, habitat and a thorny edge to a suitable landscape. Begin with the species: “Ximenia” and “sourplum” can refer to different plants. Large sourplum is now listed by SANBI as Ximenia afra, formerly Ximenia caffra; Ximenia americana is another species.
Jackalberry: plan for a large tree and a suitable microclimate
Jackalberry, Diospyros mespiliformis, is a substantial indigenous African tree with shade and fruit value. It belongs in a long-term landscape plan. A sheltered, adequately moist site is a different proposition from planting it in a small, exposed water-limited garden.
African mangosteen: try a warm, protected fruit-tree site
African mangosteen, Garcinia livingstonei, is an African fruit tree distinct from the tropical supermarket mangosteen. Its orange fruit and attractive form make it worth exploring in suitable warmer parts of Namibia, with a cautious approach to frost and establishment water.
Mopane: work with a tree adapted to hot landscapes
Mopane, Colophospermum mopane, is a defining tree of many hot southern African landscapes, including parts of Namibia. Its value includes habitat, shade and its place in local livelihoods. Start by understanding an existing stand before deciding to plant or clear trees.