Figure 1: An example of sickle bush.

Figure 2: (above) The attractive flower of the sickle bush.

Figure 3: The compound leaf (left) and deeply fissured bark (right).

Figure 4: Sickle-shaped thorns (spines) (left) and a cluster of fruit pods (right).

Figure 5: Some hairy caterpillars can cause intense itching.

Figure 6: Treating a rash with sickle-bush leaf paste.

Cleve Cheney continues his series on plants with a discussion of the properties and uses of the well-known sickle bush.

Some plants can be both a pest and a blessing. One such plant springs quickly to mind because it can under certain conditions become a real problem, but at the same time is one of the most useful plant species in the veld. Many will know it by its common name – sickle bush or, in Afrikaans, “sekelbos”. See figure 1. The botanical name is Dichrostachys cinerea. The name of this thorny bush or small tree aptly describes the curved thorns (actually referred to as “spines”) which resemble the curved shape of a sickle. See figure 4.

When veld has been mismanaged through incorrect fire management (burning too infrequently) or overstocking, this species can encroach and form dense, sometimes even impenetrable thickets. This effectively excludes these areas as suitable habitat. Because little ground cover remains under these dense stands, fire is almost an impossibility because of a lack of combustible fuel (ie grass and herbaceous plants) and the only way to resolve the problem is by mechanical removal or chemical treatment of the sickle bush.

The bush is quite attractive, with emerald green compound leaves and a very pretty lavender and yellow flower which appears from October to February. See figure 2. The flowers resemble small Chinese lanterns. The fruits, consisting of bunches of contorted pods, appear from May through to September. See figure 4. The species is found mostly as a bush but can grow as tall as seven metres. The bark on young branches is green and hairy, but dark grey-brown and deeply fissured on the stem and older branches.

From a usefulness point of view this is quite an outstanding species.

Wildlife
The pods and young twigs are relished by a variety of animals, including kudu, giraffe, impala and nyala. The larvae of the satyr charaxes butterfly feed on this species. The tree attracts a variety of insects which in turn is a draw card for insectivorous birds.

Medicinal uses
This is one of the most important medicinal plants in Southern Africa, with a wide variety of practical applications to the bush visitor or dweller. Whereas some of its uses have not been confirmed through clinical trials, I can confirm one of its uses which I have put personally to the test on numerous occasions. When the chewed leaves are applied as a paste to itchy rashes caused by bee stings, by coming into contact with hairy caterpillars (figure 5), stinging nettles or the hairy stems of wild hibiscus, relief occurs literally within seconds. See figure 6. This is due to antihistaminic substances contained within the leaf. The leaves also have properties which reduce toothache when chewed and will alleviate diarrhoea as well.

It is reported that extracts of leaves and bark and bark in powdered form can be applied to wounds to bring about healing. This may indicate some antibiotic properties. Powdered roots are sniffed to stop nose bleeds. Leaves and roots are smoked by some rural tribes as a cure for congestion and head colds. There are also reports of chewed leaf paste being applied to snake bites. This should, however, be investigated further to confirm its efficacy.

Tools, cordage and implements
The sickle bush is another species of which the inner bark can be used to make strong cordage. The wood is durable and highly resistant to termites. This makes it very suitable for tool handles and for fencing posts.

Fuel
The hard wood makes excellent firewood, which burns down to hot coals that last a long time. The wood also produces good-quality charcoal. The sickle bush can definitely be regarded as an important survival tree.

References
Van Wyk, B and Gericke, N. (2000): Peoples Plants – A Guide to Useful Plants of Southern Africas. Briza Publications.
Venter, F and J-A. (1996): Making the most of indigenous trees. Briza Publications.