Marabou Thorn, Sickle Bush

Dichrostachys cinerea

Physical Characteristics

Dichrostachys cinerea is an evergreen Shrub growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The flowers are pollinated by Bats, Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Tropical Africa - Senegal to Somalia, south to Angola and Mozambique. E. Asia - India to Indonesia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Seedpod Edible Uses: Gum Fruit[ 303 , 774 ]. The fruit is a narrow, yellow or brown seedpod containing about 4 small black seeds[ 774 ]. Seeds[ 303 , 774 ].

Medicinal Uses

Anaesthetic Anthelmintic Astringent Contraceptive Diuretic Dysentery Epilepsy Febrifuge Laxative Leprosy Odontalgic Purgative Stings Vermifuge The bark is astringent and vermifuge[ 303 ]. It is used in the treatment of dysentery, headaches, toothaches and elephantiasis[ 303 , 774 ]. The root is anthelmintic, purgative and strongly diuretic[ 303 ]. Infusions are taken for the treatment of snakebites, leprosy, syphilis and coughs[ 303 , 774 ]. A decoction of the root has been used as a contraceptive for women[ 775 ]. The pounded roots and leaves are used to treat epilepsy[ 303 ]. The roots or the leaves can be chewed and placed on the sites of snakebites and scorpion stings[ 303 ]. The leaves are diuretic and laxative[ 303 , 774 ]. Applied externally, they are believed to produce a local anaesthesia[ 303 ]. They are used in treating gonorrhoea, boils, sore eyes and toothaches[ 303 ]. A powder from the leaves is used in the massage of fractures[ 303 , 774 ].

Known Hazards

Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling