Brittle thorn

Brittle-thorn (Phaeoptilum spinosum): This shrub belongs to the bougainvillea family and is the only member of this family found in the country. It is deciduous, multi-stemmed which grows up to 2m high and 3m in diametre. Features include arching branches with spinescent twigs. As one of the most common woody species found in the dry western and southern regions of Namibia, it grows in a number of habitats.

The bark is brown-grey and young branchlets are pale brown-grey with defined, white flecks. The leave are olive-green and grey-green on both the upper and lower sides. Tubular flowers are yellow-green to pale yellow and display from October to January. Fruits are silver-white to yellow, bright pink or red and are eaten by small stock as are the flowers.